I have come to rely on our good ol’ digital timer to do the talking for me these days.
Because I don’t want to say ‘No’ all the time, I compromise. I let Josh and Zoë watch TV –but only for 30 minutes a day. Josh could choose: Either 30 minutes of TV or 30 minutes of computer time, or 15 minutes of each.
Sometimes I set the timer when I want to ‘nudge’ Josh into finishing up his meals or tidying up. Whatever is left unfinished or left not tidied up by the time the buzzer rings goes to the bin. Yes, I am a bit of a Nazi mom this way.
The thing is, you only get ‘tested’ once and after that, once they have established that you mean business, your timer is your best friend.
Or your worst enemy. As I found out one time.
Josh wanted me to help him build something. I was editing some photos and told him that I’d help him when I finish. Josh walked over to where we keep the timer. I could hear him pressing the buttons and could hear the “beep, beep, beep” as the minutes piled up. Then he walked over to me and said, “Mommy, when the timer rings, you should close your computer and come help me."
Not that what I was doing couldn’t wait, but having the tables turned on me by a 4-year old? Hmm, though I was a bit amused, I was not really liking it so much. But fair's fair. And I have to be thankful that instead of whining, Josh was resourceful. Too resourceful.
14 COMMENTS:
Too funny...aren't they great at turning the tables on us like that? I'm definitely storing this in my head under useful ideas for the future!
The smart kids, like yours, absorb way more than we know. All that stuff we do out of a need to survive? They take as gospel. Even as they might seem to fight us at every step. Has some good aspects, and some, well, less good aspects:). But, at the end of the day, having kids who learn is beyond lucky.
Bwahahaha...smart kid! I use a timer on BBJ sometimes, for her naps or timeouts. It's taken out a LOT of the crying and screaming!! She waits for the "beep beep" and knows she's done.
Uh oh, you've met your match...well, a young, undeveloped version of your match. But, he's on to you!
LOL...this sounds so familiar! I use the same thing with my 3 year old. It is amazing how wonderful it works. One day, when she wanted me to play with her, I set the time for myself. I told her when it went off, I would stop working and play. Wow, that timer sure did tick down quick!
Josh is making sure he holds you accountable! How cute is that?
Looks like you've met your match!! What a smart kid!!
Ah yes, it always comes back to bite ya.
Funny story.
Aaaah, look at that. The Student has become The Teacher. ;-) LOL!
Smart kid.
I was just thinking the other day I needed to buy a timer, rather than always using the one on the stove - it doesn't work great if something is in the oven at the same time!
LOL That is a smart one!
I use a timer for all kinds of things with my kids. I put their toys in time out when they fight over them. They cry more when the timer is set for their toy than they do for themselves.
OK, that was hilarious!! I'll make sure not to mention this post to B or I'll be hearing a timer daily!
HA! A clever little boy. But I like this idea. I may have to try it out on my Bug when she is dawdling at the dinner table.
Elle
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