I've read multiple good parenting books now that teach the glorious and effective "Uh-oh."  Especially useful for a talker, like me, who tends to lecture over every little wrong my children commit, the "Uh-oh" let's them know that you know they've made a poor choice.  It's also the sound that naturally comes out when we make a mistake, and so it reminds me that mistakes happen.  And it sounds so much nicer and more Gracious than, "how many times have I told you..."

Today Asher had a new teacher at his swim class.  I heard Ms. rebecca's sweet voice sing, "Uh-oh" a few times during their  20 minute lesson.  It effectively pulled his focus back and at the same time reminded me what a splendid tool I'd forsaken.  

I've heard that we need to say 10 encouraging things to our children for every one criticism.  "For goodness' sake!"  LOL!  "I'm a naturally encouraging Mom, but I don't think I can fit that much encouragement in,  while correcting three little boys all day long!"  And then this morning I realized I don't need to fit more encouragement in, (there is plenty in our home)  what I need to do it trash a good deal of the criticism.  Quickly but gently correcting behavior, reminding them that mistakes happen with a genuine "Uh-oh," and helping them remember the way our family treats one another doesn't have to be done with a stern voice, a disapproving face, or even criticism.  

If discipline is necessary, deal it out swiftly, remind them with a word or two, then move on.  If they do it consistently and don't honor you or your rules, then remove them for a nice long time to their room.  That way they will get the real gist of your meaning, without the long string of critical words.  And if it still continues and firmer discipline is necessary, make it swift but still without all those words.  Endless, correcting words...  

I'm talking to myself here so feel free to encourage me back, Ladies.  But it's a wonderful reminder for all of us loving moms who desire to speak words of life to our children.  Let's guard our words that we might guard their hearts.  Our children need correction, yes, but they need lifting up, grace, and encouragement as well, to be all God made them to be.... And so much more than we can imagine.

Mothers, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  (Proverbs 4:23)

And then with gentle words we can plant these seeds...

"Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path."  (Proverbs 23:19)

I don't want to bog them down with my incessant nagging.  I want to lift them up to do right, correct them when they need correcting, but point them with a smile and an "Uh-oh", toward the right path.