Sunday, August 17, 2008

Random Thoughts

How wonderful it will be to learn from you all! Thanks Andrea! I thought I'd start things off by posting 2 random comments...

#1 I'm grateful for people that are willing to help. Not just, "OK, I'll do it" (in a flat voice), but, "Sure, I'd LOVE to serve in nursery with those 10 great children! I've been praying for this calling." Yes, someone actually said that to me and meant it! After serving in this incredibly huge primary in a ward full of tired young families with almost non-existent husbands that still manage to do what is asked (many husbands are in medical residencies and super busy), I will always serve with a smile when asked to do something I may or may not want to do.

#2 I've been strugging with kids that WHINE and COMPLAIN about doing simple chores, like brushing their teeth or picking up toys ("then let your teeth fall out and I"ll take all the toys to Goodwill"). I'm sure noone else experiences this. Well, I found a gem of advice. Instead of asking for something to be done, just describe the situation. Example: "There's some playdough on the floor." or "Your toothbrush has toothpaste on it." Sounds silly, but most of the time my kids pick up the playdough and brush their teeth and I didn't even ask them to...atleast not really.

4 comments:

Krysta said...

Your comment about nursery brought back so many memories for me. I was in the presidency for a couple of years and that was the WORST calling to fill. I can't beleve how many people say no to that! I also learned that lesson of how important it is to always have a good attitude when serving, no matter what your asked to do!

Thanks for the tip on whining and complaining. I'm going to give it a try tomorrow. :)

Andrea said...

Great post Rin!! Good Idea with the getting kids to do stuff. I am going to try that one. I am adding this as a link from my blog tonight. So we may start getting some activity.

Michelle said...

That is a great idea! My 10-year-old son in particular will benefit from that, I hope. :)
Ooh, I need to post a link on my blog, too. Thanks for the reminder, Andrea.

Andrea said...

Hey Rin: Jonathan tried this tonight with the kids. It worked like a charm. I love it. I think it is our new way.