Project: Bryce

In the past several weeks, Bryce has reached the peak of negative behavior that we have ever seen from him. He's angry, violent, impatient, quick to lash out, throw things, yell...so mini-Me.

I have been frustrated to tears so often during this time period.

One day, I remembered that I could ask Heavenly Father about it all and before I could even finish that thought, little ideas and understanding started filtering through my thick skull. Things like:

• positive attention


• praise, praise, praise


• curb your own temper, he's following your example


• accept that he's three and a half and work with it

There was a lot more, but the amazing part is still that I hadn't even asked for help (yet) and He knew that I didn't have time to wait for a kneel-down moment. Bam! Inspiration from above, simply because He knew I was open to receive what He could help me with.

After settling Bryce into bed, I cried in prayer with gratitude and for further instruction. After I prayed I was able to make a list of things I could do throughout the day that would help him accept me as a loving, but authoritative, figure that he would be more willing to work with.

The difference is clear cut. When I do what I received, we have really successful days. He has gone back to being very affectionate and will listen to me with a lot less defiance. Daily improvements in both our behavior.

Project: Bryce has been a good, good thing.