Photo by Roman Pinzon-Soto
Have any of you noticed that your kids love repetition?
"Mommy, Mommy, MOMmy, MOMMY!"
Imagine this conversation (typical of trips in our van a few months ago):
Child #1: "I'm Kipper." Child #2: "No, I'm Kipper." Child #3: "No, I'm Kipper!" Repeat twenty times with increasing volumes and that's a fairly accurate picture of our previous travel times. I always tell Steve that I know it's time to make a change when I find myself fighting back frustrated tears while driving with my kiddos. So I instituted a "one-time rule." Everyone can say whatever they want - one time. Multiply that by three kids, and that's still three times. I can handle that. Does the rule work, you may be wondering? Why yes, yes it does. With the help of jelly beans. Each child starts the morning with five jelly beans in a cup. Whenever anyone forgets the one-time rule (or has a similar verbal infraction like speaking unkindly or interrupting), they lose one jelly bean. The remaining candies are devoured before dinner. Typically I'm not into rewards and bribes, but this issue boils down to maintaining Mommy's sanity. And I feel my mental health is worth a few jelly beans. I still have to remind the children often, of course, but I find it more peaceful to say "One time, please" than to keep saying "No, stop it. Don't say that anymore. QUIT IT RIGHT NOW!" The one-time rule works for me. Feel free to use and modify if it will bring some sanity into your home (or van!).
