The art of parenting, some days it’s like a finger
painting-terribly messy.
I like to be strict but fair when it comes to disciplining
my children. This doesn’t always go to plan and some days I give in just to
keep the peace. Or I throw a sly bribe in to the mix. Hey it’s a win win
situation, who are we to judge? Right?
When being out and about though I like to keep a standard
that my children are well aware of.
Use your manners, a simple please and thank you goes a long
way.
No shouting,especially in enclosed areas such as a packed
lift.
No running,this goes for escalators. The last thing I want
is for your little toes to be jammed at the end of the ride.
No asking for things just because they have neon lights and
are shouting at you to pick them up!
Sit still at the table when eating, no one wants to stumble
over you should you happen to be on the
floor.
For the most part things go to plan and we eat out and shop
in relative comfort.
Sometimes I think this can throw you into a false sense of
security. You know full well they can behave, so when it starts going pear
shaped it knocks you for six.
That six knocked me the other day, it was a huge hit and
mean mummy came out to play.
I had picked up the children from school, the sense of
security was high and I had extended the offer of a treat when we went shopping….
What.was.I.thinking?
The minute we walked through the doors it started. It was
like someone had replaced my children with a set of kangaroos…. Bounce bounce….
Throw in a galah, yell yell….
Holy Moly I don’t how many times I said SSSSHhhhh and stop
jumping!!
I gave a warning, If you don’t stop you won’t get the treat.
By this stage they were holding it, guarding it almost. Just thought of a treat
had sent them into a giddy panic.
By the time we got to the register I had had enough and said
sternly, you didn’t heed the warning, put the treat back on the shelf!!!
Lips dropped, heads bowed, shoulders slumped. Treats were
returned.
I didn’t care; I had asked and expected good behaviour
inside the shop. This went by the way side and was by all means totally
ignored.
I turned around to stand in line to pay for the things that
I had picked up and the lady in front gave me a virtual high five….say what?!
Good on you, she mouthed quietly.
A little mummy victory right there… silently I could have
done a little jig… just imagine I did ;)
Mean mummy scores 1,
children 0
Now it is up to them to even up the tally board.
What discipline tricks work for you?
