Archives for September 16, 2007

UPDATED AT BOTTOM

Sprittibee posted a link to a “Mothering Style” quiz. I was rather amazed at how accurate mine is. I plan on signing up for their newsletter and maybe reading the book.

I am The “Give ‘Em Their Space” Mother (ISTP) LOL

• Non-intrusive and respectful of differences, the ISTP mother gives her children the personal space they need to develop as separate, self-sufficient individuals. As children grow and mature, she enjoys observing how each one becomes his or her own person. She seeks to accept and honor each child’s interests, opinions, and choices.
• The ISTP mother does not believe in authority or control for its own sake. Instead, she favors a non-directive approach. Yet she has high expectations for each child’s self-discipline as a key to self sufficiency.
• To these ends, the ISTP mother wants to “be there” for her children—to meet their basic needs and keep them safe. Her goal is to help her children think for themselves and take responsibility for their own actions.

I’m not too sure what a non-directive approach to discipline is, but I do agree with the first part about not believing in authority or control for its own sake. We are pretty strict with our kids, but only when we need to be. Our ‘rules’ are built upon biblical concepts, and our kids know exactly what is expected from them and why.

Take the quiz & let us know what kind of mother you are! You don’t have to post the results on your blog if you don’t want, but leave me a comment so we can compare notes :o) I’m especially nosy interested in my IRL friends: Jill, Kelli, Emme, Melanie, & Tiersa -c’mon, you know you’re curious!

Updated to add: I feel the need to clarify something on this post, not because anyone said anything, but because I’m paranoid like that ;o) I said above that I didn’t believe in authority or control for it’s own sake. After reading it several times, I’m not positive I know what they mean by that – so I’ll just tell you what I meant ( just so everything is clear & you know I’m not a slacker parent!) I just meant that I try not to ever abuse the authority God has given me over my children by being harsh or controlling just because I’m the Mommy & I said so – not to be confused with actually saying, “Because I’m the Mommy & I said so!” That’s a whole ‘nother ball of wax & gets said regularly around here. So there, now that I’ve thoroughly confused you & left you scratching your head, you may return to your regularly scheduled program. My work here is done.