Here's the one I chose:
1.) Describe the best/most creative punishment you have ever given your children or received yourself. (inspired via Twitter by Maya from Musings Of A Marfan Mom)
My best punishment ever popped into my mind as soon as I read this.
When my oldest son, Tim, was about 12 or 13, he was constantly complaining that he got into trouble for things that the little kids, Elayna & Andrew, got away with. The little kids at this time were about 6 and 7 years old, respectively. So, basically, he was right. I expected more of him than I did of six and seven year olds. Shoot me!
I finally got tired of his complaining. An idea struck. I told Tim that if he wanted to be treated exactly the same as the little kids, that was fine. But it had to be in EVERY way, not just getting away with the things they got away with. I told him that for one week, he would be treated exactly the same as the little kids in every.single.way.
In a typically cocky adolescent male fashion, he said "That's FINE!!"
At the time, we lived in a town home, and in the complex there was a pool and a soda machine. He was normally allowed to walk down and get a soda or hang out, ride his skateboard, whatever.
But the first time he tried that, I feigned shock and said "Oh no! We don't let the little kids walk around the complex alone, remember? So there's no way you can do that. Remember? You're a little kid now."
He went to bed at the same time as the little kids, 8:30 pm. He wasn't allowed to use his cell phone - the little kids didn't have cell phones. He couldn't watch certain TV programs that were deemed inappropriate for kids of the age that he wanted to be treated. Literally in every way that I could think of, he was treated exactly like the younger kids.
He.was.hating.life.
Once that week was over, he never, ever complained about the little kids getting away with more again.
And I? Felt pretty brilliant.
Because while I am not a perfect mother- nor do I aspire or pretend to be one- I am a VERY good mother. I have no doubt of that. =)
P.S. Thank you for your comments on yesterday's post. They encourage me more than you know. xoxo
The End!
26 comments:
That is a great solution. Wow! You're not only a very good mother but a brilliant one. Awesome example.
Came over via SITS.
Masterful! Way to go, Mom!
SITs sent me by, and I'm glad they did!
The Power of Pie
Oh this is brilliant! I will remember this for future reference.
Great thinking...I may have to borrow this one!! Visiting from Mama Kats!
I think mine are too close in age for this one, but I have offered to put #2 in a diaper like #3 since he complains about having to go to the bathroom!
That's a good solution. It won't really work with mine coz they are still pre-schoolers..but definitely going to note it down for use later.
I poppped over from Kat's and boy am I glad I did. This was fantastic! That is truly the best punishment I've ever heard of. And the fact that you made it stick for a week proves you da MOMMY!!!!
Justine :o )
Part of the effectiveness of a punishment is sticking to it. Had you just given up he would not have learned the lesson. Good job!
Those are the best kind of lessons to teach children. No ugliness or yelling involved :o) It also has a much longer effect on their behavior ♥
you would be good on "survivor"...you outwitted, outsmarted, outlasted! loved the story!
wahahaha i will have to use this my eldest is 12 and thinks this of his 5and 1 yr old sibling!lol he would def hate their limitations:)
Visiting from Mama Kats!
Great punishment and I can't believe he didn't cry "uncle" before the week was through. Love it!
Now that is brilliant!!!
That is an AWESOME punishment :)
Way to go, Cyndy! Very creative and worked like a charm!!
Way to go--point for the mom! That is really genius! Not surprised it worked.
Here's a link to my writer's workshop post: http://karen.pnn.com/articles/show/53857-i-m-so-happy-i-m-not-her-or-him-writer-s-workshop
You go girl! Sounds awesome to me! I'll be using that one when my guy gets older!
That is indeed brilliant. I can't believe he stuck it out for the whole week, and that you did too. I would have caved after the first day and would have totally let him off the hook. My son is ten years older than his sister and he knows that she gets away with certain things but he also knows he has it made right now even if he does have to do some babysitting here and there. Of course he has his drivers license now and the sister has only recently gotten her training wheels off so maybe he is more mature than I give him credit for.
What a great idea.
Truly brilliant. My hat's off to you.
Sounds like it worked out perfectly! LOL
Hahaha!!! I love that! You are a super genius! :)
That is way too Awesome! Good Job Mama! I love it and I hope I remember it if I need it someday. And I really hope that I can be as creative as a mommy as you are.
That is a perfect solution to stop the complaining!
You are a very good mommy!
Love it!!! The only thing I thought of right off the bat was the early bed time...but there were SO many more ways he suffered. Did he really last the whole week?? So funny!
Now THAT's creative parenting! You're an awesome mom! I think I might have to borrow that idea...
I did that prompt too. Guess we can be creative, mean Mom's together!
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