Okay, my kiddos are gone for the rest of the day (and night even). I promised myself I would use these precious hours to attempt to get caught up around the house.
And then, I had such an interesting afternoon, and the Lord taught me something through it. So I had to share with you, my beloved readers.
Those of you who have been around for a while know that I have written once or twice about consistency. The Lord gave me a perfect example today of why consistency is so important.
We were at the library, and I was attempting to check out some books. The computer said that I owed $.60, and therefore I could not check out any books. Hmmm….interesting. The last time I had a fine, I was told as long as the fine was under $1.00, I was allowed to check out books. So, I assumed that I had misunderstood, maybe it was $.50? So, I ran out to the van and scrounged up $.30.
Here’s the thing, I know you are thinking, seriously Frazzled, you didn’t have $.60? No, I didn’t. I do not carry cash. Why? Because I loose cash. Now, yes typically I have a couple of bucks in the van, but not so today.
So, I went back in and asked the lady at the "help desk” to allow me to pay part of my fine. She took my card and swiped it. She told me the fine was $.60. I chuckled and said I had run out to my van to scrounge up some money and all I came up with was $.30. But, at least that would put me low enough that I could check out books for the kiddos.
Well, she whipped her head around and said “No Ma’am! You must pay the fine IN FULL to be able to check out books.” Immediately, I was TICKED off! I said “Okay, never mind.” I may or may not have snatched my card back from the lady. That’s really up to interpretation….
Anywho, I was SO angry. Why is it that the library is allowed to change policy on a whim? Really within one month? They can just change things up and not inform anyone?
So, we finished up at the library and came home. I was still stewing about it an hour later. I was about to call the library to complain. But, I had an interruption, so, I didn’t call.
That is when I had the realization about library fines and consistency. It is so important to be consistent with our kiddos, because when the rules change on them without notice or rhyme or reason, it’s like getting the rug pulled out from underneath them! I daresay, they may even get angry! They may not even want to have anything to do with that library (or you) again!
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)
Am I saying that we should never change the rules? Heck no! You know me, if it’s not working, pitch it! But, I think rules are different. You have to really talk to your kiddos, let them know why things are going to change. Then, give them time to adapt to the change. I also believe that you can’t be changing the rules every other week.
Mr. OverKill and I have tried to anticipate circumstances and situations that will be arising as the children get older. That way we have an idea of what expectations we will have for our kiddos and what the ground rules will be for various topics. We have been so blessed to have people in our lives who are willing to be open with us about mistakes they made with their children, so we won’t fall into the same trap. If you don’t have someone like that in your life, SEEK ONE OUT! Learn from the mistakes and successes of those who have gone before you!
A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, Proverbs 1:5(NKJV)
And above all, try to be consistent!!!! What a shame to be wishy-washy and cause your children to be angry, confused, and distant.
And now, I am going to try to get my housework caught up!
Oh, and by the way, I’m just going to pay the fine :)