Discipline

Lately I've been struggling with the concept of obedience and discipline as I try to teach my two year old each day. It's been a frustrating learning experience, mostly because I have high expectations. The best way that Camilla can learn is from me and my example. I need to be careful how I speak, act and respond to things. When she is doing something and I feel the urge to tell her to stop, I ask myself three things.

1. Am I asking her to stop out of annoyance? (not a good reason)

2. Is it hurting anyone? (good reason)

3. Will what she is doing/learning negatively affect her in the future? (good reason)
  
These have helped me chill out a little bit and allow her to explore the world around her to the fullest. As I let her take the lead I've been able to see her in a whole new way. I am proud of her and the sweet little person that she is. It's awesome to see her grow and explore who she is as she gains more independence.

For the longest time this scripture has been on my fridge and throughout my day I would find myself repeating lines from the verses. "No power or influence ought to be maintained..." is one that gets repeated frequently. Other days it's "persuasion and long-suffering, persuasion and long-suffering.." And sometimes it's "love unfeigned".

I like the extra phrases that President Hinckley adds to these verses...

“Reproving betimes with sharpness, [When? While angry or in a fit of temper? No.] when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; [Does the Holy Ghost attend contentious reprovings? No.] and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

“That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death” (D&C 121:43–44).

Being reminded of this scripture throughout my day helped me keep things in perspective. I was still feeling flustered though and continued to read conference talks and advice from others.

"Love should be the ruling principle and the motive force."
~David O. McKay

“Pure love is an incomparable, potent power for good. Righteous love is the foundation of a successful marriage. It is the primary cause of contented, well-developed children. Who can justly measure the righteous influence of a mother’s love? What enduring fruits result from the seeds of truth that a mother carefully plants and lovingly cultivates in the fertile soil of a child’s trusting mind and heart? As a mother you have been given divine instincts to help you sense your child’s special talents and unique capacities. With your husband you can nurture, strengthen, and cause those traits to flower”.
~Richard G. Scott

In my studies I stumbled upon a quote from a fabulous talk that has been a great help. It's perfectly simple and simply perfect.

"There is no discipline in all the world like the discipline of love. It has a magic all its own."

~Gordon B. Hinckley