On of our great troubles with Anna is that she's always "bored". No matter how many times we tell her that is not our problem she continues to expect us to fill all her waking hours with our attention. As I was lamenting about this in my journal a few nights ago I received a bit of inspiration: "opposition in all things". Anna can't be contented with playing all the time because that's all she ever does! Other than preschool 3 mornings a week, her life has no structure. So I decided to get strict about her chores again. Before she can watch shows or play with friends she has to do a few very simple chores. The best part about this is that when she complains that she "hates doing chores" I can smile and assure her that it will make playing more fun. And the more she hates something the more she will love playing when it's over. It's revolutionizing my attitude which makes it easier to enforce.
Additionally there was a quote in Downton Abby this week that I have since typed up, printed and hung up in the kitchen: (it's best if you imagine Maggie Smith saying it) "Anna dear, you are a girl with a brain and reasonable ability. Stop whining and find something to do!"
1 comment:
AMEN. Best little bit of Mom-inspiration I ever heard. Whenever Adam or his siblings told their mom that they were bored, she would put on this huge smile and go, "Oh GOOD! I really need some help with such-and-such" and they would be put straight to work.
A brilliant lady, my mother-in-law.
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