Naughty and Nice

While playing super mario with Thomas tonight his guy falls in a hole and this silliness ensues
T: Dammit
Me: Buddy you can't say that, it's a bad word
T: (totally innocent)Well can I say shit?
Me: (biting my cheek so as not to laugh)No bud, that is a bad word too
T: well what CAN I say?

After some conversation we decide on Drat. In the story "Big Pumpkin" the characters say Drat when they can't get the pumpkin off the vine. This is acceptable to him.

I love my son.

Late Night Cacophony

At around 2am, I am sound asleep in the very dark basement. Seemingly all of a sudden I hear:

"MOMMY I NEED YOU!" from Allison somewhere up the stairs.

I sit straight up and yell "Coming!" Then I start to crawl across the bed and over Kevin's legs. I am worried. What could be wrong? Stomach ache? Sore throat? I trip (is it still called tripping when you are crawling?) over Kevin and flip and fall off the bed hitting my leg on the metal frame and landing somewhat on the dog. I yelp. Lucy licks me as if to say "Are you ok?" and also "What the hell?" I then hop up and limp a few steps, partly from the fall and partly from the yoga I did earlier. I run up the stairs and find Allie in the kitchen waiting for me. I look her over and kneel down beside her. What kind of catastrophe awaits? I look up into her beautiful sleepy eyes and ask "What's wrong?" To which she replies: "I had-ed to go potty and wanted you to tuck me back in". She then pivots on her heel swishing those lovely curls around and walks to her room. I stand and straighten my back like an old women. I look at the heavens and let out a long breath (trying to apply some yoga?). Then I follow her to tuck her in and let her know she is loved and safe.

I am a Mom. This is my job.

Logic in the Love

Next week I will be starting a short class called "Love and Logic". Here is what I am hoping to get out of it. 1. A way to help the kids make good choices without us 2. A way to stop the constant arguing 3. I would like to try and stop the bad attitude funk that the kids sometimes get into 4. Consequences for the kids misbehavior that are consistent and appropriate for the behavior.

Maybe I am expecting a lot. I think my kids are smart, silly and lovely. But there are times when they dig their heels in and wont listen to me. I need to regain some control and help steer them to good choices.

I have read some of the book this series is based on. One example in letting them make choices is not to battle. Tell them it's cold outside and it would be a good choice to get a coat and hat on. But then don't chase them around or nag about the coat. When they don't put it on and are cold they will learn to listen to you next time. But how would this play out with a shower? Do you let your kids go stinky??? Even when they have sensitive skin??

I am hoping this will help me make better choices with them. Less Yelling. More hugging. I hope it helps me be a better parent.