Discipline is harder for Parents to give than children to take!

So as parents, we get tested daily by our children by how strong we are. Are we strong enough to discipline when they NEED it. I know for me, I can easily become lazy and simply not want to dish out or follow through when it comes to punishments for my kids. Today was a true test! Anyone who knows my oldest child Parker, knows his love for football! He has big plans for tonight! Having a friend over, snacks, recliner and cokes for the big game tonight! Today while we were at church, Parker was rough housing with the smaller boys after I told him not to. Not too big of a deal, so I went over to him and told him to stop and talked with him about it. He didn't like what I had to say and proceeded to literally shove and push me out of his way. I was in shock. A flash came over me of him as an older teenager and the what if's. What if he puts his hands on me when he's older? I really couldn't believe that he did it. Over really nothing too. We went over to Jason and Jason could tell something had happened. As we drove home in a silent van, Jason and I both sat wondering the same thing. Should we punish him from watching the super bowl tonight? Once home, Jason and I went into a seperate room to discuss his punishment. Jason immediately said it! My heart sunk and I began defending Parker and how we couldn't possibly punish him from that! I gave all sorts of other options! I was desperate for another consequence! Jason was calm, but felt adament that this was right. He felt strongly that we needed to leave an impression on what had happend. He wanted him to know that not only was I Parker's mother, but I was his wife and he would not put his hands on me...EVER! So I told Jason that I trusted his judgment and the thought of breaking the news to Parker I couldn't bear. I told Jason I was going to lay down for a bit while he spoke with Parker. Chicken! (me of course!) I slept for nearly 2 hours! (I don't sleep much at night right now due to stress...another topic on another day :) I woke up feeling still saddened. I composed myself and as I got to the door to come out of my room, there was a note from Parker! A very sweet tender note telling me how sorry he was that he pushed me. Man if that doesnt make me wanna change my mind! I had to face him though. I came out into the kitchen and there he was. Sitting at the table with daddy playing a card game. He hugged me and said he understood his punishment. Honestly discipline is harder for us as parents. I'm so grateful for my husband for leading our family though! While I was asleep, he called and got some Godly advice before deciding on his punishment. 


 In the end, Jason decided that punishment from the Superbowl (along with no tv, video games or friends tonight) was the best. While yes, I did chicken out of telling Parker and left that to Jason, I do fully support and respect Jason's decision! Our decision!  I think most importantly out of this whole day, is that the children see that Jason and I are united. No matter how much my heart melted for Parker and felt sad that he would miss the big day, I know in my heart we made the right choice. The choice to be good parents and help our children learn from their actions. Just a day in the life of a Bewley parent!

Yep that's him!  Now you know how hard it was to make the right choice!  Hope to inspire you to follow your hearts and the commands God gives us as parents to bring them up in his way not ours!