Parenting is really just a game.
The trick is to make them think that they have the controller. They may be holding it but only you know how the buttons work
Take tonight for example: For whatever reason she decided she wanted to make a sensory bin about an hour before bedtime.
Her thinking about this was:
I like sensory bins! My small hands love digging in rice to feel things and identify them with my eyes closed.
My thinking on this topic was:
OMG the rice all over the floor, the small toys I have to pick up or rescue from the dog. NO. Not happening.
Of course, this was not the answer she wanted to hear.
What I wanted to do was to get the family room cleaned up of all the toys and crap that have been strewn about for at least a week. It was time to clean it up.
So….I made it a game.
“Let’s see who can pick up the most stickers”
The stickers got picked up.
“Let’s see how many stuffed animals we can put on the shelf”
I tossed over the stuffed animals while she caught and put away each one.
“Lets see who can sweep up the biggest pile of dog hair” 1
She was real quick to get that broom and she finally figured out how the dustpan works too for a double win on my part. I didn’t have to sweep up.
The positive results were many:
It was now time for bed.
We kept busy while mommy was on an important phone call
We killed the hour where it’s too early to go to bed but too late to start anything
We got a clean family room out of the deal.
The Best Part? She thinks she won.
And that’s how a tired Dad wins a random Wed night.
Until Next Time,
TH and Co.
I’m keeping it real here.