The Acorn Does Not Fall Far From the Tree

I have told my children on numerous occasions, that I selected parenting styles from my parents that I liked, I changed what I didn't like and then combined it all with similar information that I had from "Doc's" upbringing.  This resulted in my own personal style which I think has worked pretty well for our family.  It is my hope that my children will do the same in developing their parenting style.  While I am slightly biased on my performance and style, I am also willing to admit that I have shortcomings.  I love to lecture, my kids hated those lectures.  I am not sure they had a positive impact, but at least they remember the lectures.  I am also willing to admit, that despite my best efforts, sometimes I snapped.  Today "Mommy" snapped.

Of course, you have to know that "snapping" never happens privately.  It always happens in front of people and you end up looking like a complete and total lunatic.  Today, it was "Mommy's" turn to look crazy.  Apparently, my granddaughter was acting out in church.  Sometimes when things like that happen, I think it is a fluke. Other times, I realize that those little ones are smarter than we give them credit for.  For example, if I don't want to be in church then I need to make noise and be disruptive so mommy or daddy will take me out of church.  "Mommy" had enough of the disruptive behavior and did remove my granddaughter from church. She took her outside to reprimand her.  Not a bad idea, unless you decide to shout and the windows to the church are open. 

The phone call I got went something like, "Mom, I can't go back to church ever.  I took my daughter outside and yelled at her and everyone heard me sound like a screaming lunatic.  Father came out to talk to talk to my daughter and I wondered how he knew there was a problem.  Then I looked up and saw that the windows were open.  I asked my friend who was holding the baby for me if everyone heard me yell and she said yes.  I am humiliated!  I can never go back to church!"  My sage advice to her was, "You already have.  You went back in already.  Every parent in the world has experienced this." 

We need to always remember that Church is not for old people who are trying to make sure they make it to heaven by attending.  Church is living, and it belongs to the children.  Didn't Christ say, "Let the children come to me."?  Children belong in church with their laughter, noise and life!  Teach them to get comfortable there and to incorporate church into their everyday lives!  God was smiling at my daughter and granddaughter today and I know He loves them even more than I do!