Reverse Psychology and Doing It Together

OK--I thought I was patient until I had kids.  My biggest challenge these days is getting Owen ready for school.  He is distracted very easily and I get very frustrated telling him 10 times to get his clothes on.  So I decided NOT to get frustrated and try to get him ready for school in a way that we could both be happy.  So I used reverse psychology.  I told him that I wanted him to listen to me and that I wanted him to stay in his PJs all day--don't get your clothes on at all.  He started giggling and went and got his clothes on BY HIMSELF!  Then I told him that I was disappointed that he disobeyed me and that he needed to listen to me and NOT brush his teeth or comb his hair.  So he giggled and did it all.  IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!  We were both happy and both ready.  He told me, "mom, you're being wierd". 

However, I tried to do it today and he wanted to stay in his pjs.  So I worked calmly on convincing him to put some pajamas clothes on (comfy pants and t-shirt) and then we brushed our teeth and combed our hair-together.  It worked.  I wish I was a little quicker and smarter.  I might have to use a new technique everyday, but it sure saves me a lot of stress and frustration.

Pres. Uchdorf in his talk at the RS broadcast told us we innately needed creativity in our lives and being a mom and nurturing children requires being creative.  So it is!  Good luck to all of you and good luck to me as I try to get Owen dressed and ready for school every day!!

Santa's Nice List

I did this for Owen and he thought it was pretty cool.  He kept asking, how did you do it mom?  If you want to do it for your kids the link is:  Santa's Nice List.

Jared wanted to know if there was one for the Naughty List.  If anyone finds anything, let me know.  It might be some motivation to be GOOD!

Have fun!