Interesting exercise

luckat

Would any parents like to try an interesting exercise? It's simple enough.

Get a packet of peas and a packet of beans, and put some into a little tin you can carry around.

Every time you say something *positive* to your child, put a bean in your pocket. (For instance: "You're helping me sort the socks? Good kid!"

Every time you say something *negative*, put a pea in your pocket. (For instance: "Stop that!")

Count them up at the end of a day and see what you've got.

Hobbes

Full pockets?

Sleipnir

mushed peas in your pockets?

Hagar

Are you an American by any chance?

Khannie

I actually think that's not a bad idea. It might help take stock of the kind of feedback you give your child in a more quantifiable way.

Nevyn

I would'nt use my pockets but the idea has merit, maybe keeping a tally on the
blackboard in the kitchen over the weekend.

hillybilly

What a fantastic idea. Dont' know about the peas and beans in the pocket, maybe two jars, or the board is a good idea. I've had advice from Luckat on potty training and it worked a treat. She seems to know what she's doing. It certainly gives pause for thought and I, for one, will be giving it a try to see how I rate.

Luckat, you are a parenting mentor, thanks!

luckat

Heh, wouldn't go that far! But thanks!

luckat

Did anyone try it?

I like the beans and peas (dried, obviously!) because you actually get a very tangible idea of what you're doing.

It's not a particularly judgmental thing - just a check on what we're at with kids, or indeed other people, or even ourselves.