Thursday, February 5, 2009

Creative Parenting...gone bad....sort of.

There seems to be quite a bit of whining go on in our house...well, at least more whining than I would like. I'm always trying to come up with creative ways to reduce the whining because "stop whining, stop whining, stop whining, STOP WHINING!!!" doesn't seem to be doing it for me. Plus, when I use that approach, I sound like a big whiner.

So, yesterday, it was getting close to pajama time. The boys will usually put their pj's on and then come back down for 1/2 hour tv, or computer, or coloring, or something quiet-ish. But, even though it does not mean bedtime, pj time is still something to complain and whine about. Jack is especially not fond of pajama time.

I thought that I had a great idea yesterday. This is what transpired....

Me: "Jack, it's getting close to pajama time"

Jack: "But, MOM!! ***whine, whine, blah, blah, blah***

Me: "Here's the deal Jack. If you want to whine, you can put your pajamas on now. But, if you want, you can play for 5 minutes and then put your pajamas on, but then you can't whine at all."

Jack then proceeds to turn around and run up the stairs to put his pajamas on. I guess he continued to whine to himself all the way up.

Well, ok then. I'll take that, I guess.

7 comments:

Cathy said...

LOL!!! I would loved to see Jack's face on this!! Too funny!! ;)

Katie said...

I would consider that a success - wonder when he'll figure it out?

Mishelle said...

Funny you would mention this. My 4 have been on a whining spree. Then two days ago I got out the vinegar and if they whine they get a drop on their tongue...you would be amazed how the whining has slowed waaay down with only 2 drops handed out so far!

Nicole O'Dell said...

Too funny!

UGH, I remember that stage! I'm not looking forward to it again! lol

rae said...

when Andrew whines I ask him... "What do whiners get?" He says... "Nothing". And he is exactly right! LOL

Jennifer said...

Hmmm... He likes to whine more than hates to put his pjs on... I guess you have a while before it stops naturally...

Anonymous said...

got any more creative parenting tips??