CONTROL - Janet Jackson has it, why can't I?

I had kind of a "DOH!" moment today while talking with Boy 1. He had just called his brother a name which started a kicking fight and since Boy 1's legs are oh, maybe TWICE as long as Boy 2's, let's just say that Boy 1 was the "winner". We were talking about how our home feels when we are yelling and fighting and he said, "It's HIS fault!" I then went into my tirade, lecture explanation (just imagine his glazed over look here) about how we each make choices and it was HIS choice to call names and to kick. Boy 2 made his own choices and I'll talk to him too, but learning to make better choices can make our home a happier place and (DARN IT!) he needs to find a way to control himself and think about what he does before doing it.

OH REALLY?!

I almost had an out-of-body experience listening to myself be all high and mighty. Look in the mirror, sister! It's not just a Janet Jackson song. This is real life. You haven't got that control thing all worked out yet!

Becoming a parent really showed me how much of a control freak I really am. But for someone who apparently likes to have all the say, my control isn't even close to perfect. When it comes to controlling my body and it's appetites, I am not always the commander of this ship. I talk a good talk to my boys when it comes to their lack of control. But, today was a good reminder that control is something I think we all are working on. Boy 1 needs to control his impulses. I need to control my appetite. Others need to control their anger, or their time management skills or their spending.

Showing a little compassion and patience (something else I'm having to work on) with my boys when they lose control will hopefully come a little more quickly and easily. My job is to help them learn it, not give a lecture about their lack. And really, if I expect you all to be patient with me while I find my control, I'd better be nicer to my loved ones while I help them to find theirs.

On another note, I have changed my settings for making comments. Everyone should be able to make comments now, not just those that have a account to do so. I love to hear your thoughts on these posts. Please comment away!

Image of Homer Simpson found here.