Playing puppies a couple of years ago.

While we are on the subject of “Who’s in Charge?” I’ve spent a little time talking with my daughters about the problem of meddling in the affairs of others and stirring up strife.  

“Who’s in charge?”  I seem to be asking that question quite often lately.

My friend, Debbie Jones, recently shared a draft of her book with me that tells the amazing story of life with her son, Dane. It was a joy to read and I hope it will be published soon.  Debbie and her husband did a very intensive in-home treatment program with their son that followed the principles of TBRI in its earliest stages of development.

One of the things they did was ask Dane, “Who’s in charge?”

I think a lot about words.  Words have power, both written and spoken, so we have to be wise when we open our mouths or put our hands on the keyboard.  Earlier I wrote a post about using the word “and” rather than “but” when speaking to my children.  It is a good tool for me.

Here is another one.

Have you ever had somebody in your life who was difficult to like?  I’m not talking about love – love and commitment come naturally to me, especially when it involves a child. I’m going to go out on a big limb and confess that I have a child I love and am fiercely committed to, but sometimes genuine liking has been tough.  I know, some of you may gasp and think I’m a terrible mother, or perhaps you’ll understand but find it hard to believe that I am admitting it.