Michael Phelps - You are so going DOWN!!Congratulations to Debbie for winning this close close contest that had so many entries (a whopping 17) that it was hard to choose! Honestly, all the entries were good and made me smile, but Debbie's nod to the recently departed Olympic Games had that extra layer of humor that could not be denied. Besides, everyone else who commented was MY FRIEND and how do I pick among friends, I ask you?
The prize the Debbie won was the answer to anything she wanted to know. When I offered that, I made the assumption that she would ask something that I actually knew - i.e. something about me. But no, Debbie has higher aspirations than knowing my most embarrassing moment or the worst thing I ever did in High School or how many hickies I've ever been given in my life. Instead, Debbie asked a parenting question, which launches the answer into the realms of opinion and therefore relieves me of any actual personal sharing, which is a big relief, in a way.
Debbie's Question:
"If we can get a somewhat accurate representation of our country's people running for national office, if we can figure out how to evacuate huge numbers of people out of a storm's way, and we can begin to get most everyone talking about energy conservation, then how do I get my kids to clean their room together without killing each other?"
My Answer:
I have no idea.
I kid, I kid. I do have an idea. Several, in fact.
some most of those are tongue in cheek, smart-alec-off-the-top-of-my-head answers because I really don't know the answer, okay? Maybe some of the other folks who check in here will have better ideas than me.
But still, congratulations. Your kids' rooms may be messy, but you're a winner!
The prize the Debbie won was the answer to anything she wanted to know. When I offered that, I made the assumption that she would ask something that I actually knew - i.e. something about me. But no, Debbie has higher aspirations than knowing my most embarrassing moment or the worst thing I ever did in High School or how many hickies I've ever been given in my life. Instead, Debbie asked a parenting question, which launches the answer into the realms of opinion and therefore relieves me of any actual personal sharing, which is a big relief, in a way.
Debbie's Question:
"If we can get a somewhat accurate representation of our country's people running for national office, if we can figure out how to evacuate huge numbers of people out of a storm's way, and we can begin to get most everyone talking about energy conservation, then how do I get my kids to clean their room together without killing each other?"
My Answer:
I have no idea.
I kid, I kid. I do have an idea. Several, in fact.
- Why make them clean their room? Embrace the chaos; you'll all be happier.
- Give each kid his/her own room. Then they can commit suicide instead of murder. At least no one goes to jail that way.
- Make it a game: Give each child a list of the things they must pick up - age appropriate, of course. Put on a favorite upbeat song and promise a reward (candy, extra TV time, etc) if they can both get their list done before the song is over.
- Stand there and threaten grounding and/or bodily harm if they don't stop fighting and just do it already! Oh - you've already tried this? Well, never mind, then.
- Model the desired behavior. IOW - is YOUR room clean, mom?
- Wait ten years until they're all out of the house. You'll be old and lonely, but by gum the bedrooms will be clean!
But still, congratulations. Your kids' rooms may be messy, but you're a winner!
