“So much of parenting is about…” (Not!)

As I was waiting for a blood test this morning, I overheard the two receptionists talking to each other.  (It was impossible not to hear them.)  After discussing Mom 1’s pregnancy for awhile, it went like this…

Mom 1:  Now my oldest is giving me trouble.
Mom 2:  How old is she now?
Mom 1:  Fifteen months; she’s really had an attitude this week.
Mom 2:  Oh, that’s going to go on for about a year and a half.
Mom 1:  Really?  (In a despairing tone.)
Mom 2:  Yeah.  YOU KNOW, SO MUCH OF PARENTING IS ABOUT DISTRACTING YOUR CHILD AND BRIBING THEM WITH TREATS.

Wow!  She then went on to describe her toddler son’s bad behavior.  But if her parenting advice works so well, why does she have such a hard time?  It’s because she’s following worldly advice, probably found in all the “Parenting” magazines strewn about the waiting room!  The child-centered approach will ALWAYS backfire sooner or later because it appeals to (and encourages) the child’s selfishness.  (And in the case of a toddler, it’s usually sooner!)