1.31.2007

It Has Come to This

So over the past four years but especially the past couple of weeks, I've been learning the hard way that a little praise and encouragement and positive reinforcement goes a lot farther with Calvin than lectures, pictures, growling, time-outs, or even a spank.

A "thank you" for some little good or helpful behavior will light up his face and correct some forms of mischief quite efficiently. This is a valuable thing to learn and practice, though more often easier said than done, especially when the first thing that comes to mind at certain times is, well, let's just say it's not as patient and kind as all that "catch your child doing something right" stuff.

And then when I combine this little tool of positive reinforcement with Cal's own wonderful but sometimes messy independence and a brilliant but sometimes troublesome inclination to just do things himself without asking for help, I get moments when things come out of my mouth that make me want to both laugh and cry hysterically.

"Cal, thanks so much for letting me wipe your bum for you."


I did. I said that. In sincere appreciation.

And he smiled and nodded - his way of letting me know that he'll let me do it again sometime, since it pleased me so.

6 comments:

the lizness said...

and you wonder why you get nominated for awards? you are freaking hilarious.

Blogger profile name said...

It's important to stop and appreciate life's little joys!

Blackeyedsue said...

Things come out of my mouth that I never thought I would say. I should have written them all down.

You know you are a good mom when you thank your son for letting you do the wiping.

Sketchy said...

LOL!! My husband and I used this method very successfully for the first 2 children, then the 3rd responded only if stern talk was added, now the 4th is getting rather too much of the stern talk and I am trying to convince hubby we need to go back to "the Method." I would show him your blog except I'm not sure how he would take that bum wiping incident. :)

someone else said...

Sooooo funny! I love the happenings at your house.

Tammy said...

Too funny! :D And I totally know what you mean...