Okay. So you are feeling calm and confident, able to meet your child just where they are at. I have discovered this is where many a-parent stalls...trying to think creatively or proactively in order to keep things moving as smoothly as possible. A few tricks of the trade, so to speak, that have worked for us and others include: ...Lolligagging preschooler in the dressing room following swim lesson? As you respectfully help them focus on dressing (oh so difficult with all the fascinating distractions!), wonder out-loud about, perhaps, the flock of birds you are sure are out splashing in the puddles--practicing THEIR swimming--right next to where the car is parked. Muse over how many might still be there when we tiptoe quietly out to peek! Keep your sight fixed forward and youll probably discover your child will follow right along. ...Cling on and whiny kids as you attempt to make dinner? After calmly letting them know you need both hands and legs free to get the spaghetti going, offer up a food prep job just for them at the counter or the kitchen table...or a special job you know will capture their attention. My girls had fun being put in charge of filling already full cat food bowls...and collecting more containers to keep filling, just in case our cats were extra hungry :-). Kept em busy! ...When the choice by your little one is, by default, to have MOM put on their shoes, and after affirming/acknowledging the mad that is sure to follow--turn your attention to musing over what that scoop shovel on the way to where we are going is digging up RIGHT NOW...maybe scoop shovel breakfast? Maybe the scoop shovel likes raisins on HIS bowl of dirt...! ...Needing a bit of time for yourself or just to get a chore done? Be creative with a toy set up--take the collection of rubber animals and set them up in a parade under the kitchen table. Prop a 2x4 up on 2 piles of books and line up the matchbox cars. Put a bowl of water and an empty bowl on a towel on the floor and leave a baster and maybe a measuring cup alongside. Cover two chairs with a blanket and put books and a flashlight underneath. You will buy yourself extra time and may be surprised by the play that unfolds. ...Needing to change the tune as things ramp up? Try turning on music--whether dancing and fun or quiet and soothing. Sometimes that is all we need to feel better, ourselves. And sing! Make up silly songs to go with just what you are trying to move through with your child. This often captivates them and calms things down...or at the very least, has you smiling over the silliness you find yourself making up! ...Frustrated that your child doesnt play with all the amazing toys you have for him? Try putting at least half away--all the way away. Simplify. And then, every few weeks or so trade out a few--new all over again and watch the interest increase and the play unfold! ...Rainy days keeping you indoors and beginning to climb the walls? Strip your kids down, put them in an empty bathtub, and give them water color paints to paint themselves, the tub, the walls...and turn on the water when done--even MORE fun to be had! I have a photo taken by a babysitter who did just this with our preschooler--my daughter is spread out on her tummy in a tub the color of...green mud. The smile on her face is delightful! And the mess--contained:-). Ideas! Whats up your sleeve that has you thinking creatively, proactively, and with a sense of humor, able to keep the momentum going in the direction youd like...able to keep sanity in place and parenting a successful, ultimately positive experience? Make it a fun weekend--discover what works for you to let go a bit, think creatively, have a little fun. Parenting with joy as your foundation can make all the difference in the world. ©2013 Alice Hanscam
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 16:15:14 +0000