Loving Parenting - Again

As I picked  up my kindergartner from school today I asked if she had received a "good day" stamp on her thumb for the day.  Once again she told me the reason she didn't get a stamp was because she was touching others.  I asked her if she thought I should talk to her teacher.  She said "yes" so we waited  until her teacher was free. Her teacher explained she did more than touch.  She pushed someone who had stepped in line in front of her.  When her teacher told her that was not acceptable, Lilly stomped off, with a loud "fine" and then started having a meltdown.  Lilly was good about going to another area of the room to cool off, but her anger was centered on already having said she was sorry. I explained that was typical for Lilly.  She is a very highly emotional individual and has several meltdowns a day over seemingly little things or small frustrations.  One of her beliefs is once she has said she is "sorry" then everything is OK....

Many years ago my grandfather had a small card in his library with the following words of wisdom.  The advice is as appropriate today as it was when I was growing up.  Love never fails. CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world. Dorothy Law Nolte (1963*) ...