Self-control is a topic to itself on p 57 of the Proverbs study, perfect! We looked at topics yesterday, but nobody wanted to pick, so I will! I never thought about how much power of influence a “calm mama” vs “very irritated mama/papa” could have, esp. in his case with some of his sensory issues. In fact, he is so sensitive and defensive with just the first reminder. He must be able to detect or sense my emotions when I think I am actually calm; I need to make an extra effort to smile perhaps, or force my voice to sound pleasant I guess. He will quickly tell me ” Please don”t get mad at me !” When I simply state the need at hand, to which I respond, “I’m not mad, why do you always think I am mad!?!” That first interaction must be the place I need to work on, evidently, because the emotions only escalate as the time goes by. I love the story of the jeans, cdm2kk! Today we will see how high the dishes/trash pile up before they can’t find anything else to use. I will have to tell my husband the plan, he might begin to wonder. He is not as bothered by the mess, (typical man, ha!) but the attitude IS a problem to him also. Thank you so much, what great ideas. The Wisdom for Life study came just in time; topic 7 (self-control) will be a perfect place to start, Amen. Maybe there is still hope for us afterall, Apsews!