Level
1: Bargaining - This level includes “un-keep-able” promises and the word
please repeated over and over again.
Level
2: Arguing - This level signals a transition from asking to telling.
When a child realizes they are not actually in charge they begin planning a
cue-de-at in their mind. Be warned at this point. A small crack can cause the
whole dike to break.
Level
3: The Fit - This level may include stomping, crying, and copious
amounts of self-pity.
Level
4: The Tantrum - This level is a transmutation of the fit and may
involve slamming doors, screaming and a heavy dose of guilting.
Level
5: The Freak Out - This level may cause parents to begin questioning
whether or not this is actually a human child they are dealing with. Also
parents may begin blaming each other for defective gene pools.
Level
6: The Total Meltdown - At this
point all forms of reasonable thinking or rational behavior have been abandoned
for a storm of utter emotional chaos. The best thing to do is keep your
distance and pray that insanity is not contagious. The good news is that your
child is almost in bed. The bad news is that you contemplating checking
yourself into a loony bin for some peace and quiet.
The
reality is that parents are constantly trying to get their children to do
things that will help them in the long term, but most kids brains aren’t really
built for long term thinking. We want them to have a great tomorrow and we know
that a good night’s rest will get them there.
God
has placed curfews (laws) on the human race. His law demands that we go to bed
when we don’t want to. Sometimes we bargain with God. It sometimes leads to
arguing. God cries out to us, “Trust Me! You will feel better in the morning if
you just rest.” We move to level 3. God promises that he will give us something
great tomorrow as we obey Him today. We move to level 6 and then after the total
meltdown, our loving Father forgives us and tucks us into bed.
I
think one of my greatest problems in life is that I am far more interested in
staying awake right now, getting my way and doing what I want, than I am with
the things that will be good for me in Glory.
I’m so thankful I have a patient Father.
Advice:
Try not to let it get to Level 3.
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