Lara decided to draw her name in crayon in the back of the van. Instead of getting angry I told her that was fine...she was going to be responsible for cleaning up the crayon, and while she was at it the van was going to get vacuumed.
This was a Milestone for us. Usually the punishments involve sitting on the stairs and so forth. However now my baby is 5 and she is quite capable of doing alot of things.
So...I have to admit I was quite pleased with myself when I came up with her punishment.
She learned that it really was not worth coloring all over the van...and I got my van cleaned.
I have to admit that I had a moment....a moment where I pictured all of my kids doing their chores around the house thus lightening my load a little...and I have to admit that I was smiling...it was a good moment.
The best part was that I thanked her for helping me out and never had to get mad at her.
The hardest part was not going over the van with the vacuum myself and RE-DOING what she missed.
Have you ever done that? Your child makes their bed all proud and you go and fix it a little? I have to admit that I have. Especially when it comes to pulling that comforter a little tighter and neater.
It takes ALOT in me NOT TO RE-DO what they do.....BUT if I do I am telling them that what they did was not good enough. Even if my words say I am proud of them my actions say otherwise.
I really have to bite my lip or walk away and just say GOOD JOB HUN! THANKS
2 comments:
Keep working on those chores with your kids because it will pay off! I am amazed at how much more time I have than just a few years ago. The kids fold laundry, vacuum, dust, wash bathrooms, wash dishes...and they are good at them. Some days, I take over a few of the chores so I won't get out of practice.
You are on the right track both with the discipline and letting the job your daughter did be good enough.
Oh, and I'm laughing at the grain mill post below. I'll be looking for the post where you put one into use.
Kate
Oh, that's so true. I'm betting all mothers have a bit of trouble with that. Good for you, though, giving yourself a moment where you're proud of the job you're doing! Those are few and far between, I find. But they do feel so good.
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