High Fives To My Husband
Unlike the back-assward days of the 1950s, I, for one, do not always believe that Father knows best. However, as much as it might pain me, I've gotta give credit where credit is due. And sometimes, every once in a blue moon, my husband actually comes up with a semi-brilliant parenting strategy.
Like many households, getting our kids ready for bed at night seems like a never-ending process. They suddenly get a burst of CRAZY second-wind energy that distracts them from every flippin' thing that they're supposed to be doing. I often find myself on the verge of tears and/or hysteria while waiting for them to FINALLY put their damn pajamas on. Seriously, paint could dry faster.
This has unfortunately become a recurring theme in our home that my husband had finally had enough of one evening last week. In a moment of complete and utter frustration, he came up with a plan that I would've sworn would never in a million years work. He informed the kids that they would receive "points" for quickly completing each task of their getting-ready-for-bed routine. The faster they finished a task, the more points they'd each receive. And much to my surprise, they fell for it hook, line, and sinker! Even more amazing is that it never even occurred to them to ask what they'd get in return for earning all the points! Uh, can you say "S-U-C-K-A-S"??!!
Ain't no way on this earth I'm gonna give up the gig until absolutely necessary. Believe you me, I'm totally milking my husband's little game plan for all its worth. Cause honestly, what's the worst that can happen? I end up having to pay them? Whoopity do! We all know darn well that bribery is every parent's go-to tool.....
