HEAD OVER HEELS

WHEN DOES DISCIPLINE BECOME ABUSE?

I am watching my granddaughter, and it is rapidly becoming a test of wills.


Multiple runs from the 'time-out' chair back to the family room.


Multiple drags back to the 'time-out' chair from the family room.


Extended periods of time sitting it out.



"Abuse" is defined as "to use wrongly or improperly; misuse" or "to treat in a harmful, injurious, or offensive way"



While discipline is "training to act in accordance with rules;" or "activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training:"


From Kate's point of view, it's abuse.

From my view, it's discipline.


From the dogs' point of view, it's great fun.


From her brother's point of view, it's a chance to watch a DVD all my himself in the family room in peace and quiet.


Take your pick.

AREN'T GRANDKIDS JUST THE BEST THING IN THE UNIVERSE?

A WEE TINY ONE FOR AN HOUR OR SO

Tonight I held a baby for about 45 minutes. Mainly because I remember all too well how exhausting it is to have a three-month old full-time, and wanted to give the young mom a little bit of a break.


But each time I have an infant in my arms, it seems to be the first time I can smell that distinct baby/clean/blanket/almost-sweet odor. The complete abandonment of their body when they fall asleep. And the just wisp of breath that comes softly from their parted lips.


It makes complete sense that we as mothers find these little creatures so enchanting - otherwise humans would not survive one generation.

And I have absolutely no desire to become a mother at my quite-a-bit-beyond-middle-age age (I mean, honestly, how could I expect to live to be 108 years old?). I am ecstatic that my grandchildren have two exceptionally capable parents that are not drug-addicts, homeless, and/or incapable of raising them - in other words, I am very grateful that I am NOT obligated to raise my grandkids at my age, as several of my friends at church are currently.


But they are nice to hold... for just a little while.