I need to explain and share with this picture. I am often asked how I discipline. I know that in today's world it can be a loaded question. Some people are so afraid of harsh punishments that they never give their children boundaries. There are others that still use "the belt" or the "the paddle".
When I was 18 I had the privilege of working in a day care setting. I learned about what would and wouldn't work under the ever watchful eyes of parents that didn't trust or the state that was there to regulate us. We were forbidden, and rightfully so, to use any form of corporal punishment. We could not do anything except "time-out" and "telling the parents". Neither was very effective at all. Every now and then a newbie would with-hold snack for an aggressive child only to be sanctioned later after that child told their parents that they didn't get snack that day.
I have seen a child continually put their hand into an electric socket. How should one handle that? There are those that say let them experience the natural consequence. That might work unless they are electrocuted to death. Time outs don't work with some children, they just don't. I don't care what all the books say, they don't work. At some point every child will test that boundary and one out of 5 children are going to be the one that isn't even slowed down by "time out." These small children will not blink at the loss of a treat or a privilege.
"So how do you handle that Neen?" It might surprise the non parent readers how often this question is asked of me. Well the answer is in this picture. "On Your Knees" is my response when I need to get the child's attnetion. This is a very physical form of punishment. It hurts if they have to stay in the position very long. It can be embarrassing for the child but it isn't too extreme. If they have to go to their knees in public it is because they haven't listened to the first two warnings. In this picture the wild little monsters were kicking the plastic chess pieces. I told them several times to stop and they would not listen. I am sure they were pumped up on sugar as we had just visited the candy store. That being said they had to listen.
J's parents used some from of this years ago and that is where he got it from. I must say that it is very effective without being abusive. The children know those words and when they hear them they always smile. They were caught and they know it. You can require it of a teenager and of a toddler equally. I love that part. It doesn't require long term effects either. often withdrawing privileges means that often the punishment is unrelated to the actions. This method makes it immediate and the correlation between what was done wrong and the punishment is evident. This can be done with or without money and can be implemented anywhere. I love it and have found it to be very effective. (Always being careful to not overuse!)
The "One Your Knees" position requires the penitent to kneel straight. The legs must be behind them and kept still. The feet must be tucked under also remain still. Arms up and out. It is to resemble the outstretched arms of Christ on the Cross. This is where is starts to hurt, holding the arms up. The time to leave them in this position is minimal as long as they are up straight and arms are out. The "lazy" kneeler will be with you longer as you continue to correct their form. It doesn't happen that often because no one likes this punishment (unlike the soap in the mouth we tried one time, apparently I buy yummy soap.)
So next time you little one is acting up and you need to get their attention try saying, "On your knees". They are not allowed to talk but you are allowed to lecture while in this position. Good luck mom's and dad's. Remember no one wants to be around your children when they are unruly either. It is easy to begin using this around 2 1/2 or 3 years of age. Do your kiddos a favor and don't be afraid to parent!
We tried to join the group after Fine Arts Club. We didn't realize how much they added to the program because we arrived about an hour too early.
After a little painting we headed to the play ground to wait.
We had tons of fun but very few friends played. They were over worked and many left right after the class.
C man joined us for some climbing.
Each one of the kiddos enjoyed climbing.
The level of stress and structure will need to be another post on the homeschool blog at some point soon. My thoughts in general are that we push too much and forget to let the kiddos just play. (More on this later.)
King of the mountain, King of the hill or King of the climbing structure are all important accomplishments. All my younger kiddos had their moments on top.
After an hour we chatted with a few friends and then headed home. We miss playing with our BOL friends but we still had a blast at the park. Maybe next time it will be cooler and more people will stick around to play after their class time.
I am not sure why football? I was just glad to get the weekend off. 
We had great seats and great company!
She woke very early and then was too scared to check. She saw the envelope sitting there on the mantle and her heart sank. (Our tooth fairy has the reputation of taking weekends off.) Then she started screaming when she discovered that her tooth had been replaced with some money. The joy in the life of a 6 year old is a wonderful thing. 
On his actual birthday J took Sugar and Possible with him for the day. Bear woke to wishes from everyone. He was very gracious with the little ones and their cards and small gifts. I don't know if he even realizes how much he is appreciated and loved by his siblings, younger and older. 
