My kiddo is in a phase of "No, I don't want to go anywhere, thank you" Well I'm not a couch potato Mom and therefore I don't want a couch potato kid.. So do I give in to his "I'll stay home today" moods... YES, Sometimes, when he is sick, or looking sickly or if its rainy or he is just "really" in no meed to go anywhere... but other times NO, I don't give in. With all the things we do and all the fun he has, I never thought this would become an issue. And I'm not talking about over-scheduling with classes galore, I'm talking about getting out of the house once a day. Used to be you asked him to go somewhere and he was dressed and waiting at the door before you even had your shirt on.... But Alas... times are changing... So, how do I get him to do things with out the battles??? MAKE A PLAN!!!
So it goes something like this...
"Mom, I don't want to go anywhere today"
<Yes I know, but at 9:30 we are walking to the park>
"you go, I'll stay home with Dad"
<Dad, is coming too, so you can't stay home>
(I am, who said I was going)
<Alright everyone, 10 more minutes, and we are leaving>
"I'm still not going any where"
<5 minutes and were leaving, the jogging stroller is ready, waters and snacks are waiting>
"No thanks Mom, I'm busy"
<Its 9:30 time to go... Lets skidaddle>
"YIPPEE, I'm going to the park, come on Dad, lets go..." as he runs to the garage door... Dad lolligags behind.. "thanks Mom for getting everything ready so I could go to the park today"
AH SUCCESSS..... WORKS EVERY TIME!!!
(now if only hubby could figure out my trick during the week, I think they would have a lot more fun) - Also note - if he didn't get excited then I would assume some thing was wrong and we would regroup about our plan. Most times there is no re-grouping! *smile*