teaching self-control in the school years

So in the toddler years we focus on teaching physical self-control
- how and where to play.

In the school years we focus on teaching verbal self-control.
A predictable pattern of meals, chores, play, school,
music and sports provides daily opportunities for this.

Learning to speak
quietly inside,
louder outside,
with kindness,
with patience,
with discernment,
with wisdom,
to resolve conflict,
to share,
to sympathise,
and to bring life,
not death.

"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body,
but it makes great boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
The tongue also is a fire." James 3:5

So how do you teach self-control?

Our children are born beautiful and gorgeous.

They are also born with the propensity to be self-pleasing and self-ruling.

We are to love them, enjoy them and teach them.

One aspect of our teaching is to gradually help them to manage their actions, thoughts and emotions.

In the toddler years we are mostly focusing on self-control of actions.

A day in which a toddler chooses when and how to play, eat and rest will strengthen the propensity to be self-ruling and self-pleasing.

A day in which the parent gently (oh so gently) guides and encourages a toddler through a balance of activities provides a platform for teaching self-control.

Every day, ordinary activities - all day, every day - provide teaching opportunities!