I haven't been blogging here much lately because we've been emailing you both with important memories, pictures, even videos.
*sigh*
What can I say? I have a touch of ADD. It's hard for me stay focused on one thing for very long.
But tonight, I'm inspired to write you and brag a bit about my parenting.
Wow, had to take a moment and step back to look at that sentence that I just typed. Those are words that don't often leave my lips (or fingertips). But that's a subject for another day.
Back to my parenting.
Tonight, I invented the term "micro-chore." Totally came up with it on my own though it likely exists somewhere, in some parenting magazine or "how to" book.
Gill, you wanted to watch TV or play a video game. You, my dear youngest child, are the hardest head of the group. You just don't want to do anything, and I mean anything, we ask of you.
"Hey Gill, come here and eat this ice cream." Your reply to this statement would be "No!" If you were a little older, it would probably be "Hell no!"
But tonight, we negotiated. After you realized you weren't going to win, you were more willing.
"Micro chores," I explained, "are quick chores, like, making your bed, sweeping the walk, unloading the dishwasher, picking up toys."
Jonas, you and Gill trotted upstairs to make your beds. In fact, you made each bed by working together. Without my help. There was no nagging, no begging, no negotiating, and no pleas for "Help me Momma. I don't know how to do it."
See?
And never once did you or your brother pick up on the fact that micro chores were virtually indistinguishable from plain ol' regular chores.
I'm feeling quite proud of myself, but the true test will be in how long you buy into this. But maybe it will turn out like "Spiderman Spaghetti" which you guys still request.
Yep, boys. That is the power of spin. And I never even took a marketing class in college.
Your mother is a genius.
Love you.
Mom
