Rhymes Help the Training Stick!

Like so many of my fellow alumni of Growing Kids God's Way, I can testify that God has used Gary and Ann Marie Ezzo to transform our family for His glory, by taking what the Bible says about training children and showing us, "what does that look like."

To help the cause in your family, I've shared some rhymes I made up when my wife and I first began GKGW. These teaching devices helped reinforce the lessons we were learning in class and in turn teaching to our young children at home.

We have always found that songs and rhymes help young children (and us) to hold onto instruction, so I hope some of these rhymes will help in your family too.

Yours in Christ,

Larry Naselli 

 

 

All of the following material is Copyright 1998 by Larry Naselli, Permission is granted to reproduce with proper attribution.

Whining

Quit Whining* (to the tune of Veggies Tales “Keep Walking”)

Quit whining, or I’ll beat your bottom red

Quit whining, and say “yes Mommy” instead

 

You must obey, whatever Mom has said,

So quit whining, or we’ll visit the woodshed!

 

*This lighthearted ditty may not be suitable for more sensitive readers, or those who were born without a sense of humor.

Giving First Priority to the Husband-Wife Relationship

How’s Your Couch Time?

When late at night you hear the sound of little feet approaching,

You know upon your sweet repose they soon will be encroaching

 

When little ones perceive that Mom and Daddy’s love is slouching,

Because they haven’t seen you spending ample time a’couching,

They may awake, traverse the house, and climb into your bedding,

Until you woefully lament the sleep you aren’t getting.

 

If by a simple recipe you could avert this poaching,

Then would you, at my word, accept a bit of parent coaching?

 

Come home and first embrace your wife, then squeeze her like a melon,

Ignore the kids, although they may be pesterin’ and yellin’

For fifteen minutes let them wait, disdaining all their cries,

Sit with your wife upon the couch and gaze into her eyes.

 

Wait for the Hostess to Begin Eating

We always should wait for the one who serves,

To give her the honor that she deserves,

By waiting two minutes to eat your dessert,

You won’t starve, and prob’ly it won’t even hurt!

 

Mealtime Etiquette

 

Whether dining in      (your town)        or Connecticut,*

We're a joy to be with when we keep Mealtime Etiquette 

 

*Connecticut families might try, “whether dining abroad, or here in Connecticut…”

The Appeal Process

There’s never cause to fuss or squeal,

it’s “Yes Mom,” or “May I appeal?”

The Interrupt Rule

To disrespect others would make me a fool,

So I always use the Interrupt Rule.

First Time Obedience

Whatever Mom or Day may say,

My job is to First-time Obey.