Sometimes They're Not So Nice
Sometimes my kids are really sweet and lovable...but, like most kids, they definitely have their moments.
This morning, the kids were sitting down to do their homeschooling, and Caleb brought me this message that Bonnie had written to him (while she was supposed to be copying her spelling words). It said:
"There are 3 resos's that I hat you.
1.) Your nose is liek a pig nose
2.) Your breth smells bad
3.) Your shrit is drity
But I do love you.
I must admit, that "but I do love you" at the end (not to mention the badly misspelled words) cracked me up- but I did not let Bonnie know this.
I gave Bonnie a lecture on being hateful - I don't allow them to say they hate each other. I explained how hurtful those words could be - because Caleb seemed really hurt about it (although the day before, he had written a note saying, "Bonnie booger"- I had confiscated it and saved it for evidence in a future situation. lol), I explained to her how hurtful those words could be.
For her punishment, I made her a list of the misspelled words in the note, and told her to write each word correctly 10 times each. I felt like it would the perfect punishment to fit the crime (plus it had the added bonus of drilling spelling words into her head).
And I had her apologize to Caleb and tell him that she loved him. She explained to me that the note said she did love him, but I told her that obviously, the letter wasn't very convincing at getting that message across, and to say it again.
Now they're getting along much better.
One thing I love to do when the kids get in a squabble is make them stand right in front of each other, and look into each others eyes for a while, saying nothing.
Almost always, they will start making faces at each other and laughing.
Once they do that, I tell them to give each other a hug and tell each other they're sorry. Then everything seems to be all right again in their worlds.
And mine!!
This morning, the kids were sitting down to do their homeschooling, and Caleb brought me this message that Bonnie had written to him (while she was supposed to be copying her spelling words). It said:
"There are 3 resos's that I hat you.
1.) Your nose is liek a pig nose
2.) Your breth smells bad
3.) Your shrit is drity
But I do love you.
I must admit, that "but I do love you" at the end (not to mention the badly misspelled words) cracked me up- but I did not let Bonnie know this.
I gave Bonnie a lecture on being hateful - I don't allow them to say they hate each other. I explained how hurtful those words could be - because Caleb seemed really hurt about it (although the day before, he had written a note saying, "Bonnie booger"- I had confiscated it and saved it for evidence in a future situation. lol), I explained to her how hurtful those words could be.
For her punishment, I made her a list of the misspelled words in the note, and told her to write each word correctly 10 times each. I felt like it would the perfect punishment to fit the crime (plus it had the added bonus of drilling spelling words into her head).
And I had her apologize to Caleb and tell him that she loved him. She explained to me that the note said she did love him, but I told her that obviously, the letter wasn't very convincing at getting that message across, and to say it again.
Now they're getting along much better.
One thing I love to do when the kids get in a squabble is make them stand right in front of each other, and look into each others eyes for a while, saying nothing.
Almost always, they will start making faces at each other and laughing.
Once they do that, I tell them to give each other a hug and tell each other they're sorry. Then everything seems to be all right again in their worlds.
And mine!!
Posted by Bethany at 9/23/2008 4:35 PM 
Categories: My kids and the cute things they say and do, Parenting
Categories: My kids and the cute things they say and do, Parenting
Great job Mom. I like how you resloved it.I will keep that in mind to use myself.
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That is to funny. Staring at each other. That is a good idea. It also teaches them to make eye contact with people. good idea. and i bet the kids like it too.
Good job with the discipline!
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The little rascals. Mine is like that, little bit of sauciness with a whole lot of sweetness.
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Bethany -- I've just happened upon your blog, and have really enjoyed reading through it. I also read the story of your drawing! That is wonderful! And I'm reallllly impressed that you're going to build a chicken coop. You go girl!
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Just 2 nights ago, my son and I had it out and he wrote me a note. He's a little older so it was a little harsher but I had to step back and chuckle a little under my breath. Of course, he had to spend the rest of the evening researching other nice words he could call me. He had to consult the thesarus and dictionary. I definitely like to have the punishment fit the crime. It makes for better kids I think...and they'll have better stories when they get older too!
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Too funny! I don't think it ever gets any better. You have to read the 'sisterhood' post on my blog. Keep in mind that is discussion took place between a 7 year old and a 2 year old.
They are definitely entertaining!
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It must have been hard to keep a straight face through that. I love the idea of having them stare at each other and am going to do that the next time mine get to fighting - which will probably be any time now LOL
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Wouldn't it be great if grown-ups could get over things that fast?
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You did good, Mom!
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