The Lesson has been taught

I put a lot of effort into teaching the kids behavior (and academics).  But sometimes I have to admit they don't seem to be learning anything.  I keep reminding my kids:

"The lesson has been taught, if you choose not to learn anything from it, there is nothing I can do about it"

We spend a lot of time working on behavior, character, honesty and personal responsibility.

Most days I feel nothing is getting through.  The kids will sulk after creating a problem and complain "it's all his fault".  Instead of learning what they themselves did wrong they just focus in on how so and so ruined everything.  Which is exactly the wrong way to look at things.

But then there are some days that you feel something must be happening right.

Last night Dude gave away two of his ATCs that he traded for in Cub scouts, because the girls didn't get to make or trade any.  He actually hunted them down to ask "Did you guys get any?  If not I'll give you some"  Then later he was fetching snack and said 'I'll give you one first' (instead of taking the first one for himeself).  And earlier he had offered to carry something for one of his sisters.  It really was an amazing evening of helpfulness.

Kids learn the oddest things at the oddest times.  That is why we really need to be good examples all the time, you never know when they are watching!