Comments on: Neighbors, Please Help Me Parent My Kids

By: Annabelle@Christian Momma

Annabelle@Christian Momma — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:36:33 +0000

I’m over here from Pensieve’s bloggy giveaway. I found this post very interesting. I have 4 boys and I know a day like this will come sooner or later. I really do like this approach…I’m tucking this away in my head for future reference!

By: Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants

Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:31:25 +0000

Very cool. I’m moving to your hood!

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:34:38 +0000

Thanks Amanda – discussion is what gives blogging such value. I appreciate the fact your demeanor is so polite, even when you don’t agree. We can all learn something from that.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:26:02 +0000

I totally get that a blog post is just a snapshot of a whole situation… I just didn’t totally agree with your nsapshot. Does that make it wrong? Nope. Does that make me right? Nope. Do you want everyone who reads you to agree with what you say 100% of the time?
The nice thing about a Proverbs 31 standard (in my mind) is that it is HONEST feedback, coming from a place of understanding and love, based in Biblical Truth.
I have never been one to go to a blog and say that I agree or “oh your so brave and strong and wonderful” if I didn’t really think that.
Usually, I just leave and dont plan on returning. In this case, I thought your writers’ mind could handle the adverse opinion and digest it…so I commented.

Honestly, I pray for the best for you and for your readers and for every precious child of God!

Congrats on your book-
God bless-
Amanda

By: Robin

Robin — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:18:34 +0000

Kelly,

(You know I’ve been out of town, and though I’ve posted a few pictures and a “Travel Diary”, I haven’t read blogs in a while.

I *winced* from your comments; I’ve never written anything controversial enough to warrant dissenters, or maybe rather than them taking time to challenge me, they just clicked to someone else’s blog.

You’ve always treated others with kindness and respect; even though these comments aren’t in 100% agreement with your actions, I’d take away two things: a) your “atypical” reaction to the circumstance and willingness to share a difficult thing, will help others think outside the box re: parenting. It DOES take others parenting alongside you to get this TOUGH job done well . You’re doing well. b) look for any truth embedded in those comments that aren’t in agreement with you. Is there any validity there? Can you learn something you hadn’t yet considered? It is ALWAYS excruciating when someone challenges something I’ve done…BUT, if they seem genuinely concerned, if they seem to care (and not just judge), I try to seek the truth in what they say, even if it’s not what I originally thought. Does that make sense?

Personally, I’m impressed with how you handled this particular situation; and equally so with your friend. C will be better off as a result of both your responses.

And, btw……….{{hugs!}}

By: chilihead

chilihead — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:16:58 +0000

I think that took guts on both of your parts. So many times moms are afraid to come to another mom with an issue about the other mom’s child. I’ve always told the other moms I want them to come to me and I will do the same. Well done for both of you! Not only did you work together, you helped Craig see the boundary and save face.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:39:20 +0000

Amanda, I appreciate your comment. But I don’t think Craig was lying – he was just unaware and caught in his own little world. And we’ve talked many times about my expectations for him, respect for others — all of that.

The fact Jane was willing to reinforce her expectations of him – and the fact those expectations are the same as the ones I’ve harped on ad infinitum – meant that he finally heard the message I’ve been sending all along. It was a realization that we all do have similar rules, and that our words really do impact others.

It’s impossible to paint a complete picture in one or two blog posts. My hope is that my willingness to bare such a blatant imperfection in my life, will encourage others to reach out to each other.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:26:19 +0000

I am glad this worked out for you… but honestly, I am a bit surprised by your reaction. I would think that your little one should be talked to for lying to you, and that you should at least have talked to him about the whole situation.
IN THE LEAST to just have said, “You need to respect Jane” or “How do we fix things when we’ve caused someone hurt?”
I think there were great opportunities for YOU to have stepped in a parented your own child.
You are very fortunate to have Jane… to have someone who was in fact, willing to parent for you.
God bless-
Amanda
P.S. This is just my little ole opinion, I have been known to be wrong and I apologize if my comment is not taken as constructive critism. I believe in holding other mothers (and them holding ME!) to the Proverbs 31 standards of living.
Blessings.

By: Never Underestimate an Awesome Neighborhood

Never Underestimate an Awesome Neighborhood — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:28:20 +0000

[...] this past year when our family moved to one. This understanding was reinforced last month when my neighbor proactively addressed what could have turned into a relationship-crippling issue with my [...]

By: kailani

kailani — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:04:17 +0000

I think it’s great that she called you to work things out. We had a similar situation but my neighbor scolded GG without consulting me first. I didn’t really appreciate it.