Today I was finishing up washing some dishes when I noticed my oldest daughter Ashlyn was missing in action. I looked around and found her sitting on the couch all by herself with a rather bored look on her face. For a moment I wondered what on earth she was doing…then I had a flash back of her standing on Payden’s bouncy seat (with Payden in it of course) for which I had sent her straight to “Time out” for. I had forgotten all about it, poor girl!
This made me think about how amazingly absent minded I am at disciplining. I usually remember when I put one of the girls in time out but often forget why I sent them there. When I go to get them out I have to wrack my brain to remember what I should be correcting them about.
Sometimes when I’m in mid-sentence of lecturing my kids (like that has ever worked anyway) I pause and think “what am I saying? Where am I going with this? I don’t even make sense to myself right now”. It’s no wonder that they seem more interested in my hand motions when I’m talking than what I’m actually saying.
The sadder thing is I can’t even tell you what I’m thinking about that is so much more important. What I’m going to make for supper? I have no idea what is preoccupying my mind. I think I have covered well so far but one day I fear I will hear them whispering to each other “I don’t think mommy knows what she’s saying”.
That is too funny. I loved that she stayed there though even though she had apparently been forgotten:)
ReplyDeleteI know! That's what made me feel so guilty!
ReplyDeleteIt's ok, it happens to us all :) Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteSet a timer then you won't forget her in time out. This is a great time to talk about why she's being sent there and it will also establish it in your memory. Make sure to take care of yourself. As mothers we tend to get too little sleep, not drink enough water and not allow enough time with ourselves to be grounded. I love your blog name and theme! Great picture.
ReplyDelete~Carol
http://www.intentionalconsciousparenting.com
http://www.creatorscreatures.blogspot.com
Thanks for the great idea Stacy and Carol! I think I will buy a timer so I can remember!
ReplyDeleteLove the blog! You are a braver woman than me!! First living in a foriegn country and 2nd 3 kids in 3 years! Whew! That would wear me down! My mom did the same thing!! I have 4 kids, but spread out over 16 years!! Thanks for following me! I am now following you too!
ReplyDeleteAs for the advice... keep punishments short and simple at this age. And no need to explain things in great length to a 2 or 3 year old. At that age 4 or 5 words is really all they are processing anyway! :)
Oh girl, I so know where you are coming from with this. Although, I know where my mind is....cleaning up the messes that are all over the house! New follower from MBC
ReplyDeleteTina @ The Floundering SAHM