HeRoos and I went to a church fireside and the speaker discussed parenting. There were some great tips that we started implementing right away. One was to tell your kids what you expect of them and for them to repeat it back to you. Our daily expectaions usually include:
1) Share
2) Be Nice
3) Have Fun
Another bit of advice was to make sure your kids are getting enough play time outside every day. I agree- fresh air and sunshine are a magic potion.
Next, focus on when they are doing something positive. We have been trying so hard to give compliments when they are playing nice together or sharing instead of gettng them in trouble when they mess up.
The next thing we needed to try was something with more leverage. Time-out does not seem to be effective with our little guy so we wanted to focus on something more positive.
The two of us went to the store and MB picked out a bike (I already read reviews and knew he would choose Lighting McQueen). The agreement is that he can ONLY ride his bike if he is a nice brother. Guess what? It is working. The two of them have been playing so much better together with significantly fewer fights. He knows that if he is mean to his sister, he doesn't get to ride his bike. He is getting a lot of exercise and fresh air and there is more peace in our house.
I really hope and pray this continues because being a mom is fun again and it does my heart good to see them play so well together.
3 comments:
Adorable ! Doesn't it make you happy that you have you have found his passion and now have bartering power. May the force be with you in finding peace and balance.
xxoo G.G.
What great tips
I so agree. It is so much nicer to find ways that they want to be good, than having to dish out punishment. It gets a little trickier when they are older and thing they should just get things instead of earn them! ie: no phone until you do homework and chores. Used to be great now it is "it's my phone and you can't put restrictions on it." There are great moments to, but I think I won't miss the teenage years near as much as I miss the baby and kid years!!!
Thanks for calling Makae the other night. It helped her. She does love you. Me TOO!
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