Man, this DIY discipline is really working. Not only is my little guy learning more responsibility, but also, and perhaps most importantly, I am getting a break!! What have I been thinking? Can you say Win Win?? (This is what summer break is for: Reevaluation of life. lol)
This morning, I told him to get his bag ready for camp. This little twerp actually said, "I don't want to. You usually do it. Can you just do it?" Rather than react impulsively, I simply responded in a calm, matter-of-fact manner, "I didn't ask you what you wanted to do. Either fix the bag--without any more whining--in the next five minutes, or you're not going. You will stay home, clean your room, run errands with me, not go to the park, nor to visit friends. Your choice."
Then, I proceeded to head to my room, mumbling loud enough for him to hear that "it looked like I wasn't going anywhere, may as well get started on my day."
He packed the bag in less than two minutes.
We headed out the door, both in good moods. My hope is that taking responsibility and doing things for himself will be a matter of habit by summer's end so few-to-no ultimatums will have to be issued.
I laughed so much when you said twerp. I just imagine that disciplining the boys is so difficult - kudos to you!
Posted by: C | June 14, 2011 at 11:42 AM