Before I get started, I want to thank everyone who participated in my Thirty-One Giveaway! I will announce the winner on Monday.
Last week, I created a Skinny Scoop survey based on “The Pool Incident.” Here are the responses:
Here’s the story behind the survey:
I took the Babes to the pool last week. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, and I like to make sure that I make the most of the $12 a month to add them to my gym account. I thought to myself, “What would be more fun than the pool. I know! Let’s bring the new underwater Ariel doll and floating fishies! That would totally make something fun even more fun. Yea, me!”
It was fun for all of five minutes. Because Thomas then wanted what Marie had. And when he had it, he threw it out of the pool. And I don’t know if you ever played with the underwater Ariel doll, but is hard plastic with hair that when flung about, whips water around like a sprinkler.
I reprimanded Thomas several times. He was not happy. At all. So I pulled out the big guns right away. I told him, “Cut this out. Sissy was playing with Ariel. You play with your fishiest and then you can trade. If you don’t stop, we’ll go home. Is that what you want? Do you want to go home?”
And he replies, “Yes. Go home now.”
What?! Are you serious? You were supposed to say no. Now what?!
So he walked by the door to go inside. And pouted. And crossed his arms. And turned his back to me. And refused to come on over to the pool. Here I am, sitting on the edge of the pool closest to the door while still sitting close to where Marie was playing in the shallow end. I felt like a friggin’ chameleon with one eye looking at Thomas and the other eye watching Marie.
I looked at him as he refused to sit by me in the pool. Then I looked at all the children frolicking around so joyfully while their perfectly bikini-cladded mothers sat peacefully admiring their children in the water.
I then did what any other mom would do.
I panicked.
I marched my tankini-self over to Thomas and first bribed him with Pirate’s Booty White Cheddar Cheese Puffs and cookies.
When that didn’t’ work, I began to threaten him. The list included but was not limited to the following:
- Pirate’s Booty
- No TV at bedtime
- No dessert after dinner
- No driver’s license when he turns 16
When that didn’t work, I just let him be. I let him whine and pout.
Finally, when I couldn’t take it anymore and it was time to apply more sunblock, we left. And guess what?
He cried to because he didn’t want to go home.
Can you believe that?
Thomas really turned on the water works because we were leaving to go home (something he had been whining to do for over an hour) and now there was no Pirate’s Booty or cookies.
I struggle with what to do in these situations. I hate to bribe. I hate to make threats (mostly because I hate having to follow through). I don’t feel comfortable yelling and spanking them into submission for a litany of reasons. Basically, I hate reacting; I rather be proactive.
I do want to keep his self-esteem intact. I want him to feel a connection between his behavior and choices. I feel like how I act in these situations sets the tone for later on. I don’t want him to think of himself as “bad” because I feel he will live up to that expectation. On the other hand, he just can’t throw shit everywhere and act like an animal. I won’t be doing him any favors by enabling his heathen behavior.
It’s just that he is so damn convincing with his tears and pouts that I am doing eternal damage to his soul.
But when I cave, he gives cuts the tears and gives me a look that I pretty much think that says says, “Sucker!”
*sigh*
What would you do?
And please don’t tell me boys will be boys. I have a post simmering on the back burner for this very saying that drives. Me. Crazy.
Have a great weekend! See you back on Monday when I announce the winner for the Thirty-One giveaway.
