Quick! Before it's time to read to the girls... (which I absolutely LOVE, but I want to get this done too!)
Another helpful book I'm reading is The Five Love Languages of Children. I'm not quite finished yet and I'm not sure I agree with all their parenting stuff, I do have to say that learning about children and the love languages (words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, physical touch) has been great.
I bought this especially in regards to Audrey--my child most like me and therefore the one I butt heads with the most! And while I'm still not exactly sure which is her primary love language, reading the book has made me more proactive in expressing love to her in all five languages each day. I've seen a HUGE difference!
She's been much more apt to crawl up in my lap (usually an Emma thing), to throw her arms around me and tell me she loves me, to thank me for the things I do for her (packing a lunch, leading her Brownie troop). Hmmm...maybe physical touch is her deal. That and quality time. I'm praying God will make it abundantly clear to me which one it is.
No matter which language is your child's primary means of receiving and giving love, the authors teach that it's vital to express love in all five ways. It does have influence on discipline too--because discipline in their primary language can be much more severe for them than it would be to another child. For example, if words of affirmation speak love to your child, then harsh words cut them deeper than it would another child whose primary language is something else. It's all very interesting and has given me lots to think about.
Of course, reading all of this has made me think about Emma too and set me on a path of figuring out her language as well. Not to mention Toben and the ways in which he receives love best. All in all, a pretty eye-opening and helpful read.
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Tomorrow I have an interview in the morning, a book outline to finish, and then I'm going to be CRAFTY! I can hardly wait...
That is so funny...I am reading it too...some things work, others don't quite flesh out in our family. But, like you, I am finding that I am challenged to work towards all 5 languages each day with the kids and it truly does reap rewards! Hopefully, they can see past my very imperfect love and somehow use it to see God's unfailing and fully complete love! Just finished "The Road to Daybreak" by Henri Nouwen...lots of amazing, soul-seaching stuff that has stripped away the noise and chaos of my world through spiritual eyes. It's helped me focus on the very clear and amazing love God has for me if (and this is a huge IF) I can only walk away from the clatter of the world. Dog gone thorns in my side!!!! I feel as though I often have whole brambles strung all over me...one giant snarl of sin that frustrates me and seems to hang on...hmmmmm...leaves much room for grace and prayer in this little 'ol mommy!
Posted by: Heidi | February 27, 2007 at 07:32 PM
another book?! wow, you are rockin'!
Posted by: capello | February 27, 2007 at 07:58 PM
You're right Joanne! We live on Saber Creek off of Kitchener...hee hee! I look forward to checking out your blog. Have a great week!
Posted by: Holly Smith | February 27, 2007 at 08:32 PM
After reading a good bit...I think you have a great outlook on life and really enjoyed the Backyardigans band-aid story!
...so glad that Beth blessed you this weekend. I was praying for God to be Big for each attender--sounds like so many received a life changing Word. Glory! I can say that 'cause I'm from Texas-hee hee! I love the castle and knight part, too.
Again have a blessed week in the Lord! I love to read, so I look forward to reading your books. I also like to write, but just journalling for now.
Blessings in Him,
Holly
Posted by: Holly Smith | February 27, 2007 at 08:45 PM
Thanks for sharing about the book with us Joanne. Danielle and I have been "butting heads" lately too. So it Sounds like it might come in handy in our household. Danielle seems to be going through some sort of struggle right now and I just can't seem to communicate effectively with her. I will have to check out that book. Regardless we are going to spend some quality one-on-one time this weekend. Not sure what we will do or where we will go, but I think we need to reconnect!
Posted by: Erin S | February 27, 2007 at 10:20 PM
Sounds like an interesting book... I have always wanted to look into reading The Five Love Languages for couples but didn't know they had one about children. Did you find that this book can cover all relationships even though the title mentions children?
Posted by: Julie | February 28, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Love your blog Joanne....I agree with you on this book- it was eyeopening and so helpful and also opened my eyes to understand myself more as well!
Posted by: ramona | March 01, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Wow. I found your blog as I was searching for the author of the quote, "If you would tell me the heart of a man, tell me not what he reads but what he rereads." for my Spring Reading Challenge post.
I am amazed. It would appear as though we have a lot of common interests from books to hobbies. I also live in Denver!
I am so looking forward to spending time here on your blog. Feel free to come over for a visit. Lately, the blog has been pretty heavy on tea subjects, but I am ruminating on so many other things to write about. I am also very curious to find out about your books.
(BTW-The Happy Holisters are my Sweetheart's favorite childhood books.)
So nice to "meet" you!
~Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly | March 04, 2007 at 08:47 PM