For instance, my children have a habit of leaving their shoes out on the back deck rather than taking them off, picking them up and bringing them to the closet where they belong. For years I would either repeatedly remind them or pick up the shoes myself and that would just make me angry on the inside. I decided that an angry mom is the last thing my children need so I quit reminding and the shoes remained exposed to the elements. All it took was one good downpour of rain (in the form of a water pitcher) and the children decided that wet shoes were disadvantageous to having dry feet. Problem solved.
Well, that one anyway.
If only it were always that easy. I still get stuck on the name calling/teasing thing that takes place amongst my magnificent seven. I’ve used several different methods to curb the bickering that goes on from sunrise to sunrise. None of them have stuck and so every once in a while I overhear a mean exchange which I cannot ignore.
A few days ago I heard Isaiah say something highly innapropriate to his little sister and, with the speed of lightening, the perfect solution came to mind.
That’s right. Five minutes each side. He’s been the perfect gentleman since.
Tags: Life In My Shoes
May 17th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
ooooh, I love it! glad to have you back. hey, I did my site. but I may change it up for summer. ooooh, and good luck and congrats on the writing.