We've entered a whole new phase in the parent child relationship. One that I'm quite liking. One that makes me smile and feel good, before remembering that I'm such a sucker.
The little darlings, bless their cottons, have worked out that if they praise me they are far more likely to get a better reaction. They know that demanding countless biscuits is only going to lead to me going 'NO YOU CAN'T' in more and more aggravated tones. But if, when they are given a biscuit say something along the lines of
Mummy, you are such a good Mummy
or
Mummy you are doing so well today
or even
Good Job Mummy! You did did brilliantly!
(all honest to God things that have been said to me in response to a biscuit/treat of some description in the last week).
And do you know what? It works! I totally want to give them more treats to get more praise from my children. Which tells me several things.
1. I'm a sucker for having smoke blown up my ass
2. I'm being manipulated by 2 total pros.
3. They're good, they really are good.
4. I really need to stop being so desperate for other peoples good opinion of my actions
5. Praise works.
Now I'm off to learn a few new parenting tricks from the masters... my sons.
So true! Our 2 yr old whooped "yay, well done you!" when DH had made custard to go with pudding earlier, and was given a vast portion in reward!
ReplyDeleteI love this and it is so true. Sometimes I am such a poor mummy according to Maxi!
ReplyDeleteYesterday, my daughter and I overheard a mum in the park insisting her child had just one more turn before going home, and then enforcing that. Daughter said to me "some mums are really strict, aren't they?" I said "do you think I am?" She laughed, and said "no, not really".
ReplyDeleteDidn't know whether to take that as a compliment or not. The other mum did seem rather heavy-handed, but I thought she was doing well in sticking to what she said, rather than getting into negotiations like I usually do.
Brilliant I love it, but hey who doesnt love praise! hell i will give them some biscuits lol
ReplyDeleteJust wait until they're teenagers like mine, then they'll just be blunt and say 'Mum you're so rubbish'. *sobs*
ReplyDeletehttp://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Hysteresis
ReplyDelete- a rather complex way of saying that because things work one way in one direction doesn't mean they necessarily work the same way in the opposite direction - notably when the variables can work out exactly what you're up to.
We're also going through the high praise phase. I often get complimented and told 'well done Mummy', today I was told I was a 'very pretty mummy' because I was wearing a dress. I very much think that he may have mummy tinted specs on as I looked like a hippo in a tent...
ReplyDeleteOooh yes ther ARE good, here's hoping mine will take note!
ReplyDeleteWe've had that. It's definitely better than "You can't play with me."
ReplyDeleteNice Post
ReplyDelete