The discipline to discipline

Wednesday Mom came to town to help me make decisions on huge issues in my life such as what color I should paint the headboard I am making. We had a great time doing what we use to do two or three times a week...just run errands together. Since Parker has recovered from the mysterious virus that has plagued so many of us he has really been testing me. I recognize at times that he requires a LOT of one on one attention. The times where he is not included in the convo and the shopping is not pleasant but this was different. He was genuinely testing me. I'm not sure why but believe me I was going to stay firm and consistent. Consistent has been my prayer this week. Consistent and patient and consistently patient. ha. I literally had to spank him three times at the mall. I didn't have a choice. I mean deliberate disobedience. I was actually calm and took him to a private area each time. I was just happy my mom was with me. Where a lot of times I feel judged about my parenting I don't at all around my mom. In fact she always reassures me I did the right thing. I guess my issue is not so much if spanking is wrong, I know the Bible clearly tells me it is a good thing. My question is am I doing it right? I remember as a child after receiving a spanking being upset for a while and staying on the DL for a while afterwords. I guess that is why it shocks me when he snaps back so quickly and retains next to none of my scolding or ....sting. Today was almost a carbon copy of yesterday. More spanking more scoldings. I also added leaving early from spending time with his cousin and best bud. That cracked him. I mean he was so upset. So I guess what I have discovered is that I will continue to spank but a strong and powerful currency to him is time with his buds. I have learned his love language is definitely quality time. (he may think it is gifts lol) Tonight he came up to me and just growled with a big smile. He knew Maggie was in bed and he knows better than to yell during that time. I had to just grab him and hug him. He needed some one on one attention...bad. We went to his room and out of anything he wanted to play he asked to put the four foot long floor puzzle together. As we put it together his enthusiasm made me so proud. Even though I spanked him and took him home early he loves me and knows I love him. What an example for me as I learn to deal with discipline from our Heavenly Father. I never knew this is what they meant when people say parenting is tough. I always thought it meant the energy draining tough. My goal tomorrow is to be consistently patient and focus on my relationship with the Lord. All things are put into perspective when I am in the right place.