Today has been one of those days.
One of those days when everyone seems to be yelling, screaming and fighting.
The kids were sent to clean up their rooms.
They argued and fought over every task that needed doing.
There were tears and tantrums.
And lots of dobbing.
And four hours later!!
Their rooms were still not clean.
Pete and I were busy cleaning up too.
I was tired of constantly playing umpire and dealing with the avoidance behaviour.
All the fighting and arguing is really just avoidance of doing what they needed to do.
Maybe the kids figure if they fight and argue enough they will eventually get out of cleaning their rooms?
That in despair we'll give in and let them get out of doing what needs done?
And maybe that tactic has worked in the past?
In days when I don't have the emotional fortitude to push until the job is done.
We removed the Wii from their room.
We took the DSs off them.
I walked in with a garbage bag and threatened them I would load it up with all the toys they weren't putting away and walk them across the road to the Vinnie's bin.
Nothing was working today, probably because the kids knew I wouldn't follow through with any of my threats!
As a teacher I know that empty threats don't work but the parent in me has to try!
Knowing and doing are two very different things.
So in a desperate attempt I tried a new tactic.
I ordered everyone into the lounge.
Sat them down like they were in a classroom and started to talk to them.
I gave them my talk on the attitude of gratitude.
I told them that daddy and I were failing as parents we had spoiled them .
That the way they treated their possession told us this.
That they didn't value what they had because they have too much.
I asked them if they only had one toy wouldn't they look after it better?
Wouldn't they value that one toy so much more than they value all that they have.
I pointed out there are many children who don't have as much as they do.
And that they should be grateful for what they do have.
They need an attitude of gratitude.
Instead of whining about the toys they need to put away,
maybe they need to be grateful they have toys to put away?
Instead of arguing when told to do the dishes,
maybe they should be grateful they've had something to eat?
After my lecture the kids went back and cleaned their rooms.
There were still fights and aguments but the rooms were finally clean.
Might of had something to do with me refusing to cook dinner until the rooms were done?
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| My new hair colour! |
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But it all got me thinking it's not just the kids who need an attitude adjustment around here.
I too need to start being grateful for a few things.
Seven beautiful, healthy and mostly happy kids.
(that they are healthy enough to fight with one another!)
A roof over our heads
(that the bank trusts us enough to pay back the money we borrowed for)
The husband who loves me
(that deserts me every Saturday to play golf, because he is fit and healthy enough to!)
The toilet that needs cleaning constantly.
(it works!)
The body I have.
(that is 26kg overweight, it birthed 7 babies beautifully and is fit enough for me to do what I want to do)
I'd be a lot happier if I could foster an attitude of gratitude a little more often.
I think this new year to come my focus will be on developing an attitude of gratitude.
