Friday, January 9, 2009

Creativity comes in many forms...

I don't have a picture (thank goodness) to go with this post...but I'm sure the visual you conjur up with surfice. My kids will be the first to tell you I'm a pretty strict parent. But strict in the ways it matters...I think. I've taught them to be respectful and know their boundaries. Not that they don't test those boundaries...every single, hair pulling day!! I never sat in a restuarant while my kids ran around disrupting other patrons. I DO NOT tollerate disrespect. My teenage daughter has modesty and my young son wears a belt on his pants around his waist.

I try to teach by example. I heard an interesting quote the other day...kids learn more by what is caught than what is taught. And basically they learn more by what we (and the people around us) do than what we preach. My badonkadonk doesn't hang out (not that anyone would want it to), we sit down to dinner as a family almost every night and we end every day with a hug and an "I Love You".

However, when the kids do get out of line I have come up with a remedy that puts them right back in line. It's soooo effective and I don't lay a hand on them or raise my voice. And it's really effective in public. drumroll please I cluck!! Yes, you read that right. I begin to strut, with hands tucked under my armpits (like wings) and I begin to cluck like a hen laying an egg. I'm quiet at first, but if they keep it up I get louder. You never saw two kids straighten up so fast. I love it!!

If anyone would like to share their creative "discipline" ideas I would love to hear them.

1 comment:

Darlene said...

Wonderful posting Carolyn!! The kids must always be good here at Nanna's house because I have NEVER seen this "chicken clucking" ... This is a very unique way of getting their attention, but if it works ... then, cluck away!!!