The power of calm

This past week I had the privilege of attending an LDS home school conference in Fredericksburg, VA. It wasn't too far from my home and since my DH has to practically travel all the way down there to work everyday, I just drove with him. My wonderful mother flew out to take care of my kiddos so I could go. And even though she doesn't read my blog: "Thanks Mom! We love you and miss you already!" 

About the conference:

Wednesday- I took a special seminar from Susan Wise Bauer, author of "The Well Trained Mind". It was cool. She was good. I learned a lot. I learned that my expectations for the children are often based on the public school model which, let's face it, is not a great model AT ALL! SO I decided to chill a little. That was good. (I'll blog the highlights of this seminar a little later Lia!) My DH came with me but basically just talked to his brother the whole time because they haven't seen each other in a while.

Thursday-Nicholeen Peck, an LDS woman who has a background working with troubled kids, has developed a parenting program titled "Teaching Self Government". She was a special guest speaker and gave multiple classes on different subjects. I had heard about her last year from this conference but never checked her out until a few months ago. That's where I watched her videos from the BBC show, World's Strictest Parents. I was really impressed by the way she dealt with those kids. I then saw she was going to be at our conference and was stoked! Check out her website here

I am sure you will be surprised to know that I even had an acting debut! I did! Nicholeen asked for a volunteer, I raised my hand along with a few others in the room. She then said to wait because the volunteer had to be able to act and stay in character. My hand shot up again-this time I was alone. (I was also really excited to try!) She wanted to show 3 different things we as parents might face with our kids, how to be calm, and how being calm helps every situation. She had me first rage at her, then be passive aggressive, and finally be the whiner/crier. It was awesome! I felt more alive than I have in a LONG time! Do you realize how much I love to act, direct, sing, perform? I love it! 
I LOVE it!!! I often wonder what I am supposed to do with my talent? (sorry, I digress)

I learned SO much from Nicholeen. I bought her book and came home with a few simple techniques to use and try on my little family. Yeah... Do you know how hard it is to stay calm, never raise your voice, and always have teaching moments instead of critical or correcting ones? YIKES!!! I got home late Friday night so my first real test was Saturday. I had told Gary a little bit about the program on our drive home Friday so he was on board. It took every ounce of energy I had to maintain a calm mind, body, face, and voice. I mean, it was so much work!!! Don't believe me, just try for one day. I'm still working on it. I'll keep you posted...

I believe in her ideology. We are trying to teach our children (and ourselves) how to govern ourselves. How to be in control of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. True self government is obedience to God's laws and commandments. Obedience to God is true happiness and power. When we are disobedient, we have no power or control. We must teach our children how to control themselves. This is tough to do in a world that teaches it is ok to do anything and everything that feels good! I know that I have been entrusted by with raising an Army of God and I could use all the help I can get.