We have recently had a problem getting Ali out of the pool. Last week John got so frustrated that she lost all swimming privileges for the next two weeks. Unfortunately, we have Amy and her kids coming this week to swim with us so that wasn't going to work out very well. We decided we needed to come up with a way for her to earn back swimming. We could have her do extra chores but it didn't seem like that punishment really related to the crime. Then I got this great idea from a friend who has their kids write essays as a form of punishment. Of course, their kids are in grade school and can actually write but we figured we could modify this enough to make it work. So, John and I came up with a list of questions for Ali to answer that would lead her essay in the right direction. I was the scribe as she answered all the questions. Then we put it into essay form and typed it up. Ali had to read it aloud to John and get a 'pass' in order to earn back swimming. She did a good job and now she has something to read before we go swimming each time as a little reminder of how we expect her to behave. :)
Here is Ali's essay:
Why It’s Important to Obey at the Pool
By Alicyn Love (July 22, 2008)
Not obeying at the pool is a bad choice and will have bad consequences. It is important to obey Mom and Dad at the pool so you won’t get stuck in the water and die from drowning. If you don’t obey, you’ll lose swimming. You will feel very sad and Mom and Dad will be upset.
The rules of swimming at the pool are:
1. Don’t get in when Mom and Dad aren’t looking.
2. When it’s time to go, get out of the pool and go.
3. If Mom and Dad tell you to do something in the pool, do it the first time they ask and right away.
4. Don’t go in the deep end without Dad or Mom. That means no monkey walking to the stairs at the deep end by yourself.
5. Don’t run by the pool or you may slip with wet feet and fall in the water or get hurt on the cement.
When you obey the rules at the pool you feel very, very happy and everyone else is happy too. It is a good choice to obey at the pool and you will have good consequences like being able to go swimming every time you want. You can also invite friends to come over and swim too.
The End
2 comments:
I love this idea. You guys are the best parents. Ali is going to be the best prepared Kindergartner ever! I can't imagine her being bad, but what a great way to get her to listen!
Your daughter is amazing, as her momma is.
We love you guys and pray for you and your sweet baby boy. Welcome to the world little Andy!
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