The most unappreciated GIFT OF LOVE I will ever give my kids

We have a pet bunny. Yes we really do.  His name is Rascal and I think we should have thought twice before naming him that, because he is living up to his name! He chews on EVERYTHING and somehow my expensive shoes and handbags seem to be on his A list. Well those and now he has taken to destroying our couch. Anyone who has hung out in our home knows our couch. It's the most comfortable couch out there and more than that it was a wedding gift from my beloved grandparents who have since passed away.  So all that to say this bunny needs to be trained to stay clear of the couch. Pronto!

 

Now have I told you that my kids adore our bunny? And Garrett and my stern discipline of the said cute bunny is not being too well received. "Ahh mom you are so mean!" And the fact that we have asked them to assist in the training of Mr Rascal by giving him a good swat on the rear and raising their voices with a firm "NO!" the moment they find him on the couch seems unconscionable to them. Zach's execution of that instruction this morning was a little love tap. And we tried to tell Zach that was actually not the most loving thing he could do for Rascal in that moment. Right now he actually needs a greater love. The gift of love found in firm discipline.

And would you know this gave us opportunity to talk to our kids about discipline being for their own good too. It's an act of love. "Really?! How?" You see kids Rascal might not like the firm discipline he is receiving, but he honestly does not realize he needs it. If he does not conform he will need to leave our home. And none of us wants that, least of all him. So this really is an act of love and for his own good. And come to think of it that's not all too different from the discipline you receive from us. Discipline is not a punishment, it's actually training. It's meant to change you. And if you think we enjoy disciplining you we actually hate it. It's the hardest thing we have to do as parents. We honestly would rather not have to dish out that "swat and raised voice", but we actually believe it's the most loving thing we can do for you. To train you to make better choices and to help you conform for your OWN GOOD is the most loving thing we can do for you.

And yes we don't expect you to thank us for it, but we do believe it's probably the most unappreciated gift of love you we will ever receive from us.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11


"My child, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the child he delights in." Proverbs 3:11-12

Rascal would do well to heed the advise in "Peter Rabbit"