Creative correction

I just finished reading "Creative Correction" by Lisa Whelchel

I am truly grateful for the book and for Heavenly Homemakers for suggesting it.

I first read about the book when Laura, the blog author, did an interview with the author.  After reading her toddler question, I went and requested the book from the library.

I really feel the book came at a good time.  I was struggling with a few repeat issues in the house and a ton of sibling conflict.

While in general my kids are rather well behaved, though high energy, they each have their own little problems, and traditional ideas were not working.  Ignoring it wasn't an option either, I know plenty of folk are all for letting kids learn behavioral rules at their own pace.  I on the other hand am not capable of living in a house of constant strife just waiting around for the kids to learn there are bigger things at stake than which part of the seat is officially yours/his/mine.

Right off the bat I enjoyed reading the admonition not to let my goal of being perceived as a good mother get in the way of me focusing on what is really important.  Namely my kids.

I am very much guilty of that, if my kids are misbehaving I assume it was because I am a rotten parent.  While I am certainly not a perfect parent, I kinda get the feeling most kids are just learning.  And because of that, no matter how good of a teacher I am they will make mistakes.

Throughout the book, Lisa offers insight into how she has handled her kids problems, Bible verses that relate to the major issues, and plenty of creative tips.  And one of the most important things, plenty of examples of her own 'failures'.  I hate to use that word since I am sure she is a wonderful mother, but I take comfort in hearing of how her kids misbehaved, and learned.  It also is nice to know she has made a few mistakes and her kids were not benefiting from a particular correction.  So apparently I am not the only one who has screwed up.  (I finished the second half of better early than late so more on that later)

There are a few points I disagree with, but overall the book is a great way to spark some new ideas to drive the lesson home for children.  I particularly love the idea of driving nails into a fence post for every verbal insult.  The lesson of all those holes has to be memorable.  Unfortunately I do not have a fence.

One of my main objections was the constant repetition that children must be perfect little obedient creatures.  I prefer my children to question politely, most of the time.  If they are not trying to understand my rules how can I expect them to feel free to question the unchangeable rules of nature?  There are limits, if I explain it and you still don't get it, sorry you have to do it anyway.  

I also found great bewilderment in reading the schedule of her 2 year old.  It seemed so, unnatural, forced. I am sure it is a case of paper looking nothing like reality, but it was rather a shocker to read.

And lastly, some of her ideas were less creative than others.  I do not follow the 'wash their mouth' for dirty words.  She also had plenty of suggestions for filling the mouth with good words.  Their is plenty of good in the book along with ideas I would not follow.

In general I liked the book so much, and read so many creative ideas, I am considering buying it for a few parents I know.  At the very least I am sure I will be checking it out of the library again.