Control

I'm learning a thing or 2 about myself....I'm a control freak. I surely didn't realize that about myself. (I'm slightly OCD too, but that's just a side note.) I'm taking a parenting class at church. I struggle so much with trying to raise my girls. I long for them first and foremost to have a growing love relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm learning that they both seem to be very strong-willed. I really didn't think it was possible to have 2 children THAT strong-willed. I think maybe I need the super nanny. Don't laugh....I'm dead serious.

Emma doesn't respond much to any of the discipline that I've tried. That discipline does include spanking, time out, and taking away toys & TV just to name a few. For instance, Emma doesn't want to clean her room. Yes, it is a personal preference of mine for her to keep it clean, but it's also a life skill that she needs to learn. By clean, I really just mean picking up...not vacuuming or dusting....just picking up and hanging up clothes and putting away toys. We get to the point of her crying and me crying. I've thought...maybe I should just clean it up...it would take less time and be done just the way I like it (I'm not even picky about the how as long as she attempts to put things away). But...I want her to be responsible. Is this age too young for that? She's not a compliant child AT ALL. So what do I do? Any suggestions? Please help. I've told her before..."Emma, if you don't pick up your toys, I'll do it. Then, I'll pack them away and you will not be allowed to play with them." Know what she said??? "Mommy, you go ahead and pick them up...I don't want to play with them anymore." WHAT???!!! She wasn't being disrespectful in her tone at all....just being sweet as could be. So what do you do??

Oh well....this is not how I was expecting this entry to go. I just need some help. I want to control her basically...want her to do just what I want her to do. But I'm learning in my class, that that is not the answer because you will get to the point one day when you're not bigger than her. Relationships and influence is what is going to help determine how she responds in certain situations. AHHH....this is so hard. I'm praying now for a Spirit-filled attitude and demeanor with my kids (and husband). If you're still reading, thanks for letting me "vent" my frustrations here.