Hmm... so lately, Jim and I have been working with Jack in an attempt to accomplish one main goal in our parent-child relationship. We would love for Jack to "do things the first time we tell him to." Oh stopppp.... I hear all of you laughing.... Your laughter indicates that this not an uncommon problem for parents of the world. But seriously... c'mon.... at least try to hide it with a hand over the mouth or something.
Anyway, what have you tried, or once tried, with your child when you told him/her to take a bath and they were still singing and flopping in the water (ummm, let's say an HOUR later) not having washed an inch of skin? Ughhh.... Is there someplace that I can look on Jack's body for a hidden fast forward button? What's the secret, People? Why does putting on a single article of clothing require 30 minutes of repeated (and sometimes not so nice) parental askings?
Here is what we've tried in this negotiation:
1. Out and out anger: "Get that shirt on NOW!" This option is no fun for either party, and obviously, takes awhile to build up to. In any case... not really effective for us.
2. Role Model Inspiration: Here we are blatantly using our youngest, but what can you do? "Jack, show Emma how you brush your teeth. She's little! She doesn't know how yet. Let's show her how you do it so quickly!!!!" This option requires much energy on behalf of the parent. You must force incredible amounts of enthusiasm to enter into your voice. And sometimes... well, on a Monday morning, for instance... this is hard to muster. Regardless, these trials are usually somewhat effective.
3. Competition: "Jack, I bet I can eat my last bites of dinner before you can!! Ready, set, go!" This one is just pathetic, in my opinion. On the off chance you didn't move in slow motion so effectively and he loses, you're screwed. It's a gamble, I tell ya.
4. The Naughty Spot: This one was perhaps a consequence of watching too much television. (i.e. Supernanny once upon a time) In this case, Jack is given his directions, and if he doesn't follow them, we would calmly and without emotion, place him on a "naughty spot" in the house for the exact length of his age, in minutes. Okay, so it works... but isn't there a better way?
5. Ride it out and just see what happens: This one we rarely have the time to employ effectively and was really just used the first time out of curiosity. "Jack go put some underwear on." And then you wait. How long can this possibly take? You don't want to know.
6. Shock Therapy: You know those little shocking collars that dogs wear to keep them within the boundaries of their yards? You should see your face right now. Seriously, go to the nearest mirror. I'm dying.
7. The Reward System: This one has been the most recent that we've tried. I kind of already knew that this system didn't work, but hey... maybe my child will be different. It's a novelty option that loses its glitz and glamour quickly. Jack has a little grid of empty squares on the fridge just waiting and begging for stickers. If he does one of his chores the first time we ask him to.... or wait, better yet.... without us even having to ask him at all.... waaa-laaaah! Sticker city. And some point, when the grid is filled, he gets some kind of reward.
This morning was Saturday morning, and Jim (bless his heart) urged me to stay in bed while he helped Jack with breakfast, etc. Apparently, Jim tried a new option??? I call this one Freedom of Choice. Jack was to pick out his outfit and get dressed for the day. Obviously, this one has some kinks to work out.
(current February weather - 26 degrees, mind you)
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