A New Approach

So I have been having my buttons pushed more than usual lately with a certain little lady who is testing her limits. After I hauled her inside today for not listening I came up with a new approach. She was in her room for a time-out and after being in a time-out we always re-discuss the reason she was in time-out. Today I took up pen and paper. I said "Elizabeth, what kinds of things do you like to do?" and we starting making a list (play with my friends, make cookies, play with the iPad, swim, watch TV, drive my Jeep, etc...) Great list! "Elizabeth, do you know what all of these things are? They are called privileges" I really have her attention now. "Every time you make a bad choice and don't listen to Mommy and Daddy you lose a privilege" Now she is really soaking this in and then responds "Maybe if I listen, after I take my nap we can swim" Yes, it's working!

It's only ten am, it's hot, why not swim now. I am sad to say after being in the kiddie pool 20 minutes she decided to sit in the water table (that I had put inside the kiddie pool so Grant could walk around easier). After being asked and warned to get out of the water table we were inside removing two items from our "privilege list." Luckily, she made a good decision to take a wonderful nap (and is still sleeping) which I know will help immensely and also realize is contributing to the problem.

After a little quiet time for everyone, I am sure we will all enjoy the rest of this steamy day! Now, I just have to brief Daddy on this new system!