I keep trying to figure out how to get my kids to stop dawdling when they're supposed to be doing something. Particularly when they should be getting ready. As in, we're already supposed to be there and they're still lying on the floor naked.
I say, "Hurry up! We're running late!" And they respond by staring at the wall some more.
I say, "Seriously guys, you need to start getting ready." And they respond by picking up a book to read or pretending their underwear is a rocket ship.
How do I help them understand? How do I explain to them that they're wasting time when "time" is still a bit abstract for them? How do I stop the farting around?!?
For now we've been telling them:
If you're having fun, you're doing it wrong.
I am fond of this one, but anyone have a better idea?
5 comments:
hahahahahaha! that sounds so much like our house, it's scary. I'm totally using that line next time my daughter is playing around in the bathtub.
That's the story of my life--all day every day. Sorry, no words of wisdom since I am trying new things every day and none seem to work too well.
Give choices--say, you can either get ready now, or go to time out, your bed, etc. They will usually pick the RIGHT thing. And whenever my kids do this (which is ALL the time, too) I just remember how much time they spend saying, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" until I help them with what they want sometimes. It works both ways!
That is a great line! For getting out the door, my kids are usually really excited to go somewhere, so that helps them get going, to know where they are going. But, when the 2 year old throws a fit I just start to leave without her and she tends to get her act in gear pretty quick. It may sound heartless, but she is very head strong and has even called me on my bluff a couple times.
My kids do the same things. Drives me nuts!
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