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Once again the boys are gonna send me to the loony bend (jk).  If you could please give me some advice on handling some situations with them.  First, my oldest, my stepson Nick, is going on a weeknd trip to Savannah with his 8th grade class this weekend.  I was fine with him going until I found out that I cannot be a chaperone because they already have enough.  And, Nick got a new girlfriend in his school that he has already gotten in trouble with for hugging in school.  First of all I do not approve of him having a girlfriend, but that is SO uncool not to have one.  Plus, she's a popular girl, and for the last 2 years of attending this school has been looking for acceptance.  When I was in the 8th grade I went to England for a trip and though I didn't join there were tons of hotel parties.  I really worry that with Nick's insecurities and with not being properly chaperoned he could do something that could change his life.  I told my husband that I am tempted to just follow behind the bus.  I guess my question is how do you live according to Christ, but still fight the urges of acting like the rest of your fellow teenagers?  How can I as a parent protect him without being there or making him upset with us?

My youngest son Bryson, has taken to lying and manipulating to get his way.  Bryson is very close to being a diabetic.  I pack him high protein, high fiber, low sugar/carb lunches every day.  Off and on all school year he would say that he didn't have time to get his sack lunch so he HAD to buy a school lunch.  I let it go, but when it happened all last week and again on Tuesday, I called his teacher.  She says she allows Bryson time to go and get his lunch.  Also, Bryson lied to me about being late to class from recess by 20 min!  He said he was given a longer recess, but his special needs teacher said that the other students in Bryson's homeroom made it back in time.  Bryson was goofing off in the hallways getting to his special needs class.  My question is how can we make it so that he never forgets how terrible it is to lie, manipulate or deceive?  I don't think just spanking or taking something away will work.  I was thinking of an episode of The Cosby Show where the son lied to his parents and they had a mock trial where he was found guilty.  He then had to give over his keys and then apologize.  That is something he'd never forget.  Can y'all think of something?

Well, I need to finish some more bread.  Thanks in advance for your help, friends!

Blessings,

~Farrah

PS If you are a faithful reader who knows my children (ie Donna, Doris, or Jen please sign in under anonymous and comment-or text me).

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Posted by seventhheaven

These are just my thots on this. I think your evenings should be all about family. Sometimes I have found this is the best thing for acting out in disobedience. (and im not saying you are not spending time with your kids) They are gone much of the day with other influences and some are more prone to follow. A bible devotion time would really help (you may already do this, but if not....) they may fight and act bored but as parents we are to do whats best for them and not allow their whining and boredom to change this.
I think you are right about spankings. I believe in this kind of discipline but it can be over done. Maybe your son doesnt like his lunches to be different than the other kids. Kids dont like to be different. This doesnt mean you quit making his lunch, but it might explain it.
Im not sure what to say on anything else. We homeschool so some of this we dont face. But the main thing I would do is pray. Ask God for wisdom on how to handle these situations and he will not fail you. Ive done this on numerous situations we've had withour kids and His 'advise' never failed to work.
You are a good mom and some kids just try us more than others. ( I have one ! ~smile~) God bless you.

Edited by seventhheaven on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 10:23

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Posted by blessingsbaound

For you dear friend!! I hear your heart and the Lord knows your concerns... He loves your children more than you can imagine and will lead you in how to care for His people!! With much love, Mrs. Joseph Wood

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Posted by Scattertheseeds

Thank you for adding me to your friend list, would you mind telling me where your husband practices in GA? Does he have a website? I'm also in GA. I've read your post on your boys, I have some thoughts but have to organize them and I'll come back and post them. I understand your concern and will pray for your family and your sons purity.

Christina

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Posted by Scattertheseeds

I posted my response at my blog because I added loads of links some FREE for you and I thought they could bless others.

Come read and give me your thoughts.

Christina

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