1/6/12

Cookies

To convince the kids that grocery shopping is a good idea I tempt them with the free cookie. Yesterday I was grocery shopping and the kids were going nuts: "Can we get a cookie now?" "Mom NOW can we get a cookie?" "Is it cookie time Mom?" Repeat. Times 50. I told them a couple of times: "stop asking or we're not going to get a cookie." Representative of how my threats like this usually go, my kids continued to ask. Then something inside me snapped. I didn't get mad and threaten more (like I usually do)...I just said 'nope we're not getting a cookie." Now, usually when I say this it's nothing but another empty threat. So not really worried, my kids continued their cajoling-'one more chance? Please?' of course cause i'm so awesome I usually give in...okay one more chance but next time.... But we were getting further and further from the bakery, and my resolve grew stronger with every step, thinking of how masterful my kids are at ignoring my requests, and how defiant they seem to have become overnight, and it was one of the hardest things I've ever done to convince myself that I was doing the right thing and not being heartless, but I did NOT give in!!! Even at the checkout when they were begging for a chocolate bar (and I could have justifies that because it's not a cookie) I did NOT give in to the whines and the wales and the stomping of feet! It's a new victory for me, and one I hope I feel more empowered to continue. Imagine actually following through with a consequence. I have such delightful and wonderful kids, and I'm sick of getting mad at them these days and maybe the parenting experts are right anyway. Then we got home and I made them heart shaped sugar cookies with blue icing and sprinkles, just so they know I still love 'em.


Does that defeat the purpose? :) Brad and I are on our way to the mountains today for a day of snowboarding. Thanks to my wonderful brother Derek and sister in law Katie!! Yay!! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Posted by

2 comments:

  1. AllisonJanuary 6, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    I love it! Haha, and I think you taught them more than one lesson, besides whining doesn't get you what you want. You actually taught them that sometimes it's better to wait instead of the "instant gratification" blah blah blah seriously, I'd much rather have your cookies with icing and sprinkles than the ones you get at the store :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. MartineJanuary 7, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Good for you, Sarah! You did your kids a great favor - you taught them that when you say something you mean it. They can trust you. They will be the same. You taught them that they can and should respect you. And you will love them more because a few days of this and the whining will be a lot less. I love that you have such a tender heart that this was a huge challenge for you. And I love that you followed the reproving the an increase of love. What a great mom. So glad you got a day off!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)