Who's In Charge?

It is imperative that your child understand that YOU are in charge at all times. 

In one of my favorite movies, about an American Submarine Crew in World War II who had to obtain Hitler's code machine, the Captain was killed and the Ex.O. was young and unprepared but, he had to take charge. When several of the crew members started pelting him with questions about how they were going to survive, he blurted out, in frustration, "I don't know!".  Later on, in a private conversation, the chief of the boat, much older and more experienced in warfare than this frightened officer, said to the Ex.O. in private of course, "Permission to speak freely, Sir". When granted permission the old chief blasted him (using a few choice words I won't mention here), "Sir, don't you ever say 'I- don't- know'! Those three words will kill a crew! You're The Captain now and The Captain always knows, whether he knows or not!"  The young captain straightened his shoulders and, in fear, took control of that vessel.

What is love?  Love is knowing that no matter what happens, Mom and Dad will always be here when I need them. Your "sticking to your guns" establishes security, especially in young children and confidence and trust in teenaged children.

Will it be scary to take control of a situation that's been "out of control" for too long? Of course. Can you do it? Yes, and I can help...every step of the way!

How long before I begin to see progress?

It shouldn't take longer than three days if you are consistant.

My children had gotten into the habit of going to bed well after 10:30pm one summer and I started feeling that I hardly had time to think a complete thought!  I usually enjoy some time to myself after they're all in bed, but by the time they finally settled down, I was exhausted and unable to enjoy anything but sleep!

I asked God for help here and I had a thought," Take 'em to the park." So the next day at a little after 5pm, I loaded everyone in the car and to the park we went.  I made sure they all got good and tired. Even my 17yr. old who I instructed to "play with" the 2yr. old and not just "watch him play" (The trick is for me to supervise and not get too involved in physical  activity or I'll pass out at 9pm with the kids!).

When we came home at 7pm, I had my 11yr. old start a bath for the two little ones and then take a shower in the other bathroom while I started dinner.  I bathed the little ones and  my 17yr. old finished dinner. While he and my 11yr. old got dinner on the table I helped my 8yr. old with a bath after which time, we ate dinner. 

At 8:25pm, four of my children were in bed while my 17yr. old showered. I had to send all four back to bed three times:( 

The next night after the park, (a trip no one was agreeable to), baths and dinner, I put them all (four) to bed by 8:15pm, amid much protest, but I stood my ground and stuck to the plan and I only had to put the 2yr. old back in bed once. 

The third night, after the park, baths and dinner, all four were in bed by 8:28pm and no one got out of bed, at all! :) :) :) 

Taking the kids to the park may not seem like "profound wisdom" to some, but it was what I needed at the time.  I encourage you to read what the Bible says about getting answers (wisdom), in your daily life.  Then, ASK and see for yourself how good God really is!