The Wall Bloggers

Today's Have a New Kid by Friday lessons were partly for Mom and Dad and partly for Adrianna. Our experiences with consequences for Adrianna's not listening so far have been cut and dry. Adrianna not cleaning her room or getting her pajamas on when we asked her to were clear for us. However, what about when Adrianna was complaining about where her coat was resting when we were on our way out the door to the Sleepy Beauty ballet? Scott instantly responded in frustration: "Then we're not going." Then he looked at me questioningly. Hmm... Was it fair to remove the ballet for a complaint? We had to decide quickly. We also had to decide if we could change the decision that had been made rashly without being inconsistent. We had a fast discussion. "Adrianna, we will go to the ballet. Daddy spoke too quickly. Because of your whining, you do not get to listen to your music in the car." Obviously, she appreciated that decision, and made no further com...

Well, I don't know if you all are tired of reading my parenting adventures yet, but for the sake of recording them (even just for myself), I will update with today's progress. This morning started beautifully. Adrianna and Scott hurried to get ready to catch the bus. They rode it to town and enjoyed choosing books at the library and drinking sumptuously at Starbuck's. I drove up later, worked out at the YMCA, and then met them for some errands. Overall, Adrianna's behavior was respectful... Until we had lunch at a little restaurant. I told her it was time to go to the bathroom. As usual, she yelled that she didn't need to go, followed by whining. I took her hand and led her to the bathroom -- where, of course, she went to the bathroom. Five minutes later, we got in the car. Her usual first question popped out: "Can we listen to my music now?" Scott and I looked at each other, gave a quick and quiet discussion, and replied, "No, you were unkind...

So... It's time I admit some parental short-comings. I know all parents have them... I just don't like to admit mine! I pride myself in knowing a few things about getting kids to behave. I babysat through junior high, high school, and even college. I learned a few tricks from those experiences. And I even majored in elementary education. I learned a few more tricks from those classes. I learned even more by teaching preschool and Kindergarten. So... I should know all about being a top-notch mom, right? :) Well, I guess I have realized that I know a few tricks, but they work on kids who don't come home with me every night! One thing I have never wanted to waiver on as a parent is saying "No" and then changing it to a "Yes." I have stuck with that part. To Adrianna, my "No" means "No." But... I still have a child who whines and complains and will not do something the first time I ask. Our problems culminated to the poi...