Tuesdays With Joshua: Post # 1
Today is Joshua's first day in playgroup.
It has not been exactly easy to leave him by himself with a bunch of kids. With his cousins -- no problem. But in our church's Sunday school, he would cry relentlessly.
So last night and this morning, I sat him down and told him that he will be going to the home of his Sunday school teacher, and that he will play, learn, and eat there. He just looked at me.
This morning when we dropped him off -- surprise, surprise -- he immediately reached out to Teacher Shirley. And in no time at all, he was playing with a yellow bus with another toddler. So far, so good.
Jotham and I sneaked out of the house when he wasn't looking.
So now I have three hours, three times a week all to myself.
UPDATE:
Joshua's playgroup teacher called me up later during the day. She said that my son
1) Did not cry
2) Participated in all their activities (flag ceremony, singing, circle time, etc)
3) Was "curious" and "exploratory"
4) Followed instructions well
5) Compliant when reminded to obey
(cue that Prince of Egypt song: "There can be miracles, when you believe...")
Though I was saying, "Wow!" and "Thank God!" during our whole conversation, what I really wanted to say was, "Are you sure we're talking about the right kid?"
Haha. At home he is quite a handful. He throws things and tantrums. Ignores me when I call him. Cries inconsolably. I've often described him as a "difficult baby."
I am often frustrated and discouraged. I've been trying to be a faithful parent -- reading bible-based books on parenting and raising children. Of course, I've failed soooo many times in this, choosing to be angry, emotional, or lazy instead.
And I worry that because of these parenting mistakes my son will turn out to be a self-entitled brat, or a hardhearted rebel.
But here comes his teacher telling me that there is some evidence of Joshua being obedient, mindful, and respectful.
My only conclusion is that clearly, clearly, clearly: this is God's grace at work.
Today is Joshua's first day in playgroup.
It has not been exactly easy to leave him by himself with a bunch of kids. With his cousins -- no problem. But in our church's Sunday school, he would cry relentlessly.
So last night and this morning, I sat him down and told him that he will be going to the home of his Sunday school teacher, and that he will play, learn, and eat there. He just looked at me.
This morning when we dropped him off -- surprise, surprise -- he immediately reached out to Teacher Shirley. And in no time at all, he was playing with a yellow bus with another toddler. So far, so good.
Jotham and I sneaked out of the house when he wasn't looking.
So now I have three hours, three times a week all to myself.
UPDATE:
Joshua's playgroup teacher called me up later during the day. She said that my son
1) Did not cry
2) Participated in all their activities (flag ceremony, singing, circle time, etc)
3) Was "curious" and "exploratory"
4) Followed instructions well
5) Compliant when reminded to obey
(cue that Prince of Egypt song: "There can be miracles, when you believe...")
Though I was saying, "Wow!" and "Thank God!" during our whole conversation, what I really wanted to say was, "Are you sure we're talking about the right kid?"
Haha. At home he is quite a handful. He throws things and tantrums. Ignores me when I call him. Cries inconsolably. I've often described him as a "difficult baby."
I am often frustrated and discouraged. I've been trying to be a faithful parent -- reading bible-based books on parenting and raising children. Of course, I've failed soooo many times in this, choosing to be angry, emotional, or lazy instead.
And I worry that because of these parenting mistakes my son will turn out to be a self-entitled brat, or a hardhearted rebel.
But here comes his teacher telling me that there is some evidence of Joshua being obedient, mindful, and respectful.
My only conclusion is that clearly, clearly, clearly: this is God's grace at work.
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