Hi - I'm new to this forum. Am InHisGrip on another forum, but see that there's already an InHisGrip here. I just wanted to comment on this because we have been doing some major habit training this week and all of this has been on my mind (plus I am just starting to read through LDTR).
"training my children is as much about training them as it is training me !! It is all much easier said than done. The Lord is gracious and merciful and I am so thankful for it!"
I completely agree....I think the hardest part about habit training is when you finally get real and realize that you yourself have the same habits that need to be changed. I have to start with my bad habits (that my children have learned from), determine to change them, put a lot of prayer/crying out to God in there and then I can focus on my kids. Well, I don't wait until I'm totally transformed to start the training
- I just wait until I can begin the process with the right attitude (humble and not expecting change overnight). Knowing that I have bad habits in the same areas as my children helps me to train my children with grace - being on their side and having good talks where I can share my struggles. When I say with grace, for me it means that I still have consequences for their actions, but I'm able to administer them without anger, knowing that it's not an overnight process and again, keeping good dialogue going about the new habit we're working on.
I've tried to discipline in other ways, and still fail, of course.....but believe me, those old ways of doing it just never work. Plus, I have to swallow my pride and apologize (again).
As far as the book itself, I am amazed at the amount of information. It is very simply laid out and is giving me much to think about. I think some good advice is to not get overwhelmed and try to change everything at one time. Pick the one that's bothering you & disrupting your family the most and start with that only....then work others in.
And, one more thought....are you wanting examples of how habit training might look practically? I know this is what I need but don't seem to get sometimes. LDTR certainly does give this information. Also, I'm sure if you posted a typical scenario at your house, you could get some ideas on how others might respond.