I was sitting with another mother, talking about random things as my boys and her twins played a complicated game of chase after school the other day.
The Mom: So have you ever read _________?
Me: No.
The Mom: Oh. How about ________?
Me: No.
The Mom: Ok. Have you ever heard of ________?
Me: No.
The Mom: So what parenting book do you read?
Me: Oh, I’m just trying to wing it.
Her Son: Um, um, Evan won’t give me back my toy.
Me: (Using the voice) Evan! Come here. (Evan trotted over.) J wants to ask you something.
Her Son: Can I have my toy back?
Evan: (Thinks a minute, then hands back the toy.) Sure. Can I see your toy?
Her Son: Ok.
Oh brother, Evan will refuse to give it back in five minutes. Maybe it is time to read a parenting book or two.
November 9, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Don’t get too wrapped up in the books…they certaintly aren’t like the answer to everything. Besides, that mom probably bribes her son with candy, anyway
November 9, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I agree with the above comment, but if you ever DO decide to try a book, I adored “How to Talk so Your Kids will Listen, and Listen so Your kids Will talk,” by Faber and M???
The stuff in there took me from toddlerhood right thru teenagers.
November 10, 2009 at 5:14 am
Who has time for books? I mean, you know, books without vampires?
November 10, 2009 at 8:58 am
I haven’t read the books and we’re doing pretty well over here.
*knocks on wood*
November 10, 2009 at 10:01 am
You handled that situation beautifully, IMHO. (Very Montessori, if you want to know the truth) You taught both Evan and his friend about conflict resolution – even if it only did last 2 seconds!
November 10, 2009 at 12:15 pm
ROFL, this is so funny, Fae!!!!!
Don’t read the books! DON’T DO IT!!!!!!!!
November 10, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Jessica~ You’re probably right. I do know her kids watch more TV than mine. Ha.
Maureen~ Thanks. I’ll look up that book. Maybe it can help me too.
ck~ Seriously. Books on parenting would just cut into the precious little time I have for books I WANT to read.
KathyB!~ Well, you are an amazing mama AND you have amazing girls.
jane~ Thanks. At least I’m doing something right. Any suggestions to stop cage fighting?
Gibby~ Well, since I honor your advice; I may just have to do it.
November 13, 2009 at 9:47 pm
*LOL* somehow I think you’re doing just fine. Is a parenting book gonna tell you how to get your kid to give the toy back and not fight at all?? I don’t think so.