self-control

I watched some of a MomTV replay in which Vicki was talking about self-control. Controlling our own actions and reactions, both to get rid of the interfering negative behaviors we impose on our children - and to model for them how to intentionally behave positively toward others. It made a big impression on me - that all those times I say something snotty I am actually teaching my kids that it is okay to do that to people. Thinking about this has helped me stay calmer and a bit more on top of my responses, to avoid so many instances where I would normally say something hurtful or damaging to the relationship. I had a conversation with Toby about how I am practicing self-control to get better at it - to avoid being mean - and my hope is that being very up front with him about it will encourage him to follow. I'm not feeling so very thoughtful about everything in the swirl of summertime activities, but this is a recurring theme.