My kids are generally good kids but they have their moments. One of their favorite arguments when they are asked to do something (like take out the trash, feed the dogs, etc) is "I did it last." GRRRRRR It drives me insane when they argue about who has to do simple chores.
A few days ago, the older two were having one of those days where they were arguing about everything and were getting on my last nerve (and it was only 10 am). I was busy charting a cross stitch pattern and I noticed the dogs needed to go out. I said, "Can one of you guys let the dogs out?" I bet you can guess what happened next. That's right, they immediately launched into one of their "BUT I DID IT LAST ARGUMENTS". Trying to reason with them got me no where and I was getting really ticked off. That's when I snapped and decided enough was enough. While they were still arguing about whose turn it was to let the dogs out, I got up and did it myself. I'm sure the kids thought they had hit the jackpot. After all, they argued and were difficult and mom did the job. Little did they know what was about to hit them.
For the rest of the day, I did nothing for Marty or Joey...and I do mean NOTHING. Joey wanted to have a friend come over and I said, "No, I had your friends over last time. Its not my turn." And, hehehe, boy did he ever looked shocked. Then, he asked if he could go over to a friends' house. I said sure. Well, the two friends who live within walking/biking distance were not home. He then wanted to know if he could go to a third friend's house. I told him he could if he could get there himself (knowing full well he couldn't). He said he didn't remember the directions and it was too far to walk. I then told him I guessed he couldn't go because I drove him last time and I didn't feel like it this time. I think this was the point where they began to realize the trouble they had gotten themselves into.
It didn't stop there. A request for me to get a drink..."No, I did it last. Its not my turn." A plea to help them find a specific toy..."No, I did it last. I don't want to." The request for help with a video game...you guessed it..."No, I did it last. Its not my turn." But, the best moment came at dinner time. Marty wanted to know what was for dinner. I told him, "I don't know. I made dinner for daddy, me, and Gabe. I made your dinner last time. I don't want to do it this time. I guess you'll have to feed yourself" ROFL...you should have seen the look on their faces. It was such a beautiful moment.
The best thing about all this is I haven't heard "I did it last time" even once since then. They learned a lesson and I had fun teaching it.
3 comments:
That is a very ingenious way of getting that point accross! I will have to try it with my kids the next time they start that "I did it last" argument. Congratulations and I hope this lesson sticks with them forever.
Rofl..........I am definitely going to try this one. Fantastic!
LOL - go mom!
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