Speechless

So, Todd and I took a Love and Logic Parenting class over the past six weeks. We really enjoyed it and we think that it has some great concepts for parenting children. One of the main ones being that a child should have logical consequences for his or her wrong choices. Especially, that a child should be given choices to make, instead of the parents being drill sergeants making the child obey. And, then let the natural or logical consequences follow.

Todd and I actually took a mini-class a couple years ago so we were already somewhat familiar with the program. I think we were already using some parts of it, although there is always room for improvement....especially on my part:).

I have to admit that Todd and I sometimes say our one liners with a wink to each other...almost sarcastically, but in a fun way. Hey, you gotta have some fun with it!

Anyways. Tonight, Lance shocked me once again. I can't believe how much he has grown up in the past year. Proof that everyone should have hope:).

Here's the scoop. Lance called me today from school saying that he needed lunch money. Already??? I thought that it sounded too soon. So, I go check my checkbook after I get off of the phone with him. Sure enough, he had burned through his lunch money way too quickly. Later, I got to school and simply said something about XX amount being spent too quickly when I saw him in the hallway (he actually yelled out hi to Weston and I too...he didn't run the other way?!). Then, I proceeded to the cafeteria to talk to the manager there to get the whole story. She was able to pull up his account and print off what he had spent the money on over the past five weeks.

Later, I went to see Todd at his shop to pick up some checks and so I told him about the situation. We agreed that if Lance spent his lunch money irresponsibly, then he should pay for his lunch when the money runs out...or make PB&J sandwiches at home to take with him.

So, tonight after dinner, I approach Lance and show him his excessive spending totals for various days. And, before I can get my new plan out, HE COMES OUT WITH THE EXACT SAME PLAN. HE SUGGESTED IT!!! I was so speechless and so proud. WOW. Was this really my boy? He didn't complain... he didn't say it was unfair... he didn't say that so-and-so gets to spend whatever he wants. Lance thought that he should use his own money, if he spent too much too fast. Once again, my jaw hit the floor. He really is growing up into a responsible young man despite my shortcomings.