Fruit Inspection

Okay, so I realize that only 6 short weeks ago I wrote this, about how I lost my temper one day and felt like a horrible mother. There would be no one LESS qualified to talk about Scream Free Living than myself. But alas, tonight, I told my friend I would help her facilitate just such a class.

Why? You ask. Why in the world would I stand up in front of people and claim to know the secrets of living a life of peace and passivity?

Well, I wouldn’t. But I will stand up and say that the message Hal Runkel gives through his books and DVD’s entitled ScreamFree Parenting have completely changed my life. And that, my friends, is no lie.

Two years ago, when my kids were 1 and 3, I did not enjoy motherhood. Not even a little bit. It was a constant struggle to get through every day. My friend Michele and I would take our daughters to ballet class and have an hour to sit and talk. And well, you know how women can be, eventually I spilled my guts about how I felt.

Instead of her looking at me as though I’d lost my mind, she just smiled at me knowingly and asked if I’d ever heard of Hal and ScreamFree Parenting. I told her that I had not and she gave me the website address.

That afternoon when the kids were napping I logged onto Scream Free Living and looked around. It wasn’t long before I had tears in my eyes. For the first time ever I had hope. I truly believed motherhood could be an enjoyable experience.

I ordered the DVD’s that day and anticipated their arrival. Can I just say that they did not disappoint in any way? All four of them are fantastic and gave me so many things to think about. Each week after that, during the ballet hour, Michele and I took over the kids DVD player in my truck and watched Hal. We’d laugh and cry and share stories about how were trying to break the cycle of yelling and guilt.

Earlier this year Michele had an opportunity to be certified by Hal himself! She was blown away by the experience and what started as a small idea to bring Scream Free to certain families in our church, became an overwhelming desire to get the word out in our community.

She is starting tonight during our Wednesday night activities and the last count I heard, she had 50 people signed up! WOW! She is a little nervous and has asked for my help in role taking and behind the scenes stuff. She also has me in mind as a facilitator the next go ’round.

As much as I dislike talking in front of people, I would like to give this a try. I cannot stress enough how much of an impact it had on me and my family. I mean, hello? I am a homeschooling mom this year. HOME SCHOOL! Two years ago I couldn’t wait for kindergarten to start just to ship Savannah off for 8 hours a day. Now I wouldn’t dream of having her away from me for so long. We have too much fun these days.

Some of you may have noticed the ScreamFree advertisement in my sidebar. This is where you can order your own “CPR Kit”. It comes with books, DVD’s and a study guide. You can do this on your own, or split the cost with other families and have your own Scream Free weekend as you support and encourage each other. I give you my word, if you are someone who struggles in this area like I do, you will not be disappointed.