I’ve been reading a bit on various parenting styles trying to gather helpful information for myself as we enter the middle school years.
Here’s one thing you won’t find as the norm in our household-screaming. Screaming or yelling has always made me nervous in a home. I did not have that kind of environment growing up, so maybe that’s why I don’t like it. Maybe it’s because I’m a physician by trade, and by the mere requirement of the job, one cannot become unnecessarily excited in order to care for the patient. You have to always remain calm and controlled. Maybe a fire or large volumes of blood might demand a bit of haste on my part or even raising my voice a notch higher could be needed then, but that’s about it. Maybe it’s because I don’t envision my Creator as being a yeller. Regardless, I find yelling in the home unnatural, unnerving and unnecessary. I try to promote a peaceful environment in the schoolroom although I do get frustrated or stressed when I’m not teaching effectively or I’m not managing the day or studies in a productive manner. I do get tears from my daughter at times and complaints from the boys when they don’t want to read their history or work on their math pages. I just don’t find that yelling is required. They do what I ask them to do because we have a mutual respect for one another combined with their recognition that my requests have their best interests at heart. We discuss the reasons behind my requests frequently. They might not like the requests, but they get it. No mind games are needed. Have I ever yelled at my children? Yes. Is it my norm? No.

Off to prep for tomorrow-an Eagle Mother’s work is never done.

P.S.-My mother-in-law is pictured below celebrating at the Sunrise Service, but the picture makes me giggle because it reminds me of some commercial you’d see for feminine protection or a yogurt product or something. Then, my picture makes me look like I need the product she’s selling.  Too funny..I don’t do mornings well.