no...I mean yes

Yesterday, I told Jem that it was time to head up for naptime and he responded in a different way from usual. He started off with his typical "But Mommy..." and then, amazingly, he corrected himself and said, "Yes Mommy." He corrected himself! It was like a little tiny miracle. I have been working and working with the boys on how they should respond when I ask or tell them to do something. I normally hear excuses and sometimes I get flat out refusals. There are even times when I am ignored completely. Each time, I remind them that the correct response is to say, "Yes Mommy." It sounds a little formal but my friend suggested it. It helps me to know that they heard me and it helps them to learn that they need to respect me and that they need to listen and obey. But it has felt like an uphill battle; a lesson that they will never get. And then my boy corrected himself and he was so proud too. It was just a wonderful little gift. A reminder that it takes time to develop a new habit and my kids can only benefit if I continue to expect good things of them.