What doesn’t work for me…there are so many things I have tried and they just don’t work. To me, parenting/marriage/life, they are all learning experiences. So today, I love Shannon’s blog, “What DOESN’T WORK FOR ME”.
Counting. Counting 1, 2, 3 does not work for me. I have tried this one, thinking if I count, maybe the kids will mind me by #3 and realize I am setting myself up for failure. If my kids figure things out, they will realize they can get away with whatever they are doing without having to listen until number 3 and that makes me not so happy. So instead of counting, we have instituted a rule: If mama calls your name, you are to respond with “Yes ma’am, I’m coming” and immediately come to where your mama is. At that point, you will be told what/where/when/why and you may then go on about your business. So there you go. Counting, DOES NOT WORK FOR ME!!!
Good point.
By: minnesotamom on May 6, 2008
at 10:14 pm
Yeah. I’m the same way. I only call for the child once, after that they’re in trouble.
By: Jen on May 6, 2008
at 10:42 pm
This made me laugh because I see people doing this absolutely *all* the time and you wonder when they’re gonna notice that it’s just *not* happenin! I know I’ve done it too, I have to admit! Must be ingrained in our genes or something!
By: Col @ gigablonde :: things to do in ny when you're [not\ dead on May 6, 2008
at 11:03 pm
I use counting when I want the kids to stop crying or get to bed quickly. They know that by the time I count to ten they had better be upstairs or I will start tickling the stragglers.
By: Awesome Mom on May 6, 2008
at 11:32 pm
Me Neither. My oldest was Diagnosed as ADHD at the age of 4. We worked with a counselor who told us that his personality was one where he woudl waint until three. Her advice was One comand, one warning and then the consequence. But it did work for my younger son. Go Figure!
By: Maggie on May 7, 2008
at 9:34 am
I have seen others count with absolutely no consequences when the child doesn’t mind, so I decided I wasn’t going to do that, but…Just the last couple of weeks I have been so fed up with Scamp not coming to me even when I threaten punishment. So, I started counting. First, I tell her I’m going to count to three and then explain to her the consequences of not obeying by 3. I only had to spank her once when I got to three. For now (who knows later) she starts coming to me at one. I think it works for her because she’s only 2 and I have only been using it when I need to get her dressed or change her diaper. I like your idea, too. I’m glad you found something that works.
By: Shawna on May 7, 2008
at 2:10 pm
We use the same rule … no counting in this house!
By: Heather on May 7, 2008
at 3:42 pm
I once saw a very frustrated woman yelling, ” I’m gonna count to ten and then I’m gonna, um…” As she groped for a suitable threat, I thought she should try the truth: “I’m gonna count to ten and then I’m gonna keep counting… but I’ll be madder.”
I don’t count.
By: franticallysimple on May 7, 2008
at 8:52 pm
Right on! Rach and I are the same way. Delayed obedience is no obedience at all. I don’t want to teach my kids that. If Ava is standing in the road and a car is coming at her I am not counting, she needs to learn obedience happens at 1.
By: matt Setliffe on May 10, 2008
at 7:53 am