Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. (thanks Allegra for the cute idea! :)
The past 4 weeks or so I have been learning to "discipline" Braden. I knew that this was going to be the most difficult part of parenting for me. I am NO good at disciplining (just look at Sawyer & Kona), however I strongly believe that what Jesse & I do NOW will affect and shape Braden into the child we desire to raise. Braden, like any young infant, LOVES to explore absolutely everything! He seems to be a constant magnet naturally to the things we would rather him not be exploring; the fireplace, the guitar and Kona's water/food bowl. Some have said "why don't you block off the fireplace", which yes, in theory would seem like the "quick fix" solution, however we want him to learn to listen and respect what we allow him to do and not to do. Our fireplace is gas, so it gets very hot very quickly. There is also a mesh covering that he loves to play with and one of our friend's little boys got his finger actually stuck in the mesh - so we would prefer to avoid that as well. Lately I feel like a broken record of "No touch, no eat, no touch, no eat". I don't like the word NO - so I am very selective in when I use it so it doesn't get overused. I have started getting frustrated with not seeing Braden respond to my disciplining tactics, but today he LISTENED!!! We were at the park (for the 2nd time today) and I was talking with a girlfriend while swinging Braden - his hands were completely filthy as they were all over the swing (and anyone that knows me knows that this just grosses me out completely - I suppose I'm a little OCD!), but I didn't want him to put his hands in his mouth until we got to the car so I could wash them...anyways he was just about to put his left hand into his mouth and I told him not to put his hand in his mouth (while using his hand to gesture what I was refering to) and he put his hand down and didn't try to put it in his mouth the rest of the time! It was kind-of ironic too because I was sharing with her how maybe he's just too young to understand and low and behold he must have wanted to impress his Mama and it made my day!!! It was so wonderful seeing me being consistent with him paying off. I know this is just a little example, but it helps me to know he really does understand me and he really does comprehend more than I give him credit for!! Yeah Braden, thank you for being such a wonderful little boy :)