Everything I needed to know about Raising a Child I learned from my Dog Trainer. . .

We finally picked up Amos from his obedience training today (in case you're just joining us, Amos is our DOG-- although I really really wish I could take some kids there too!) The summer heat, afternoon storms, Amos's fat belly, and his dominant personality turned his 4 week course into 8, but we LOVE the dedication of Curtis at Salt Creek Kennels and are eager to see all Amos has learned.

As we packed him up in the car, I felt just like I did the day we took Sam home from the hospital. Basically, "Gosh, I hope I don't mess this up!" And then I thought how similar Curtis's training tips were to all my child training tips! "From the minute he comes home, he'll be trying to be the boss." Hmmm. "You have to expect complete obedience, not half-hearted or partial obedience." Uh huh. "Never give a command if you do not intend or are not able to offer correction if they fail." Ok, consisitency. And how about the one I read just last night in my book about parenting the heart of your child. "When he fails to obey, discipline him, and then make him go back and do it the right way." Ok, it stops there. I don't have to dig into Amos' heart and motives. I guess I can't answer that mighty question in childrearing "How will this affect his soul?" But I still might ask him the question "Amos, was eating Sam's shoe rude or kind? Because love is not rude."

Anyway, so far tonight he's been wonderful. We're keeping his environment extremely controlled though for now. So, I'll keep you posted on how well he (and I) do, starting with tomorrow as Addie wakes hungry, Ella wakes cranky, Si is screaming "breakfast, breakfast!" and Amos needs a walk.

And another subject: I let the kids stay up to watch the Olympic opening ceremony. They thought it was amazing from 8pm til 9:02. By 9:03 all three were zonked out on the couch. That was the easiest bedtime we've had in a while!