Getting Kids to Move

Works for Me Wednesdays at Rocks in My Dryer -

This tip will sound so easy you probably won't believe it. But you have to try it.

I like things done, NOW! It kinda really drives me nuts when I ask my kids to do things, and they don't do them like immediately.

Or they say, "In a minute mom."

Which translates to, "Never, and hopefully, you'll forget you asked."

And who has kids that jump up to do household chores or help their mom immediately? I did not birth that kind of child. I birthed the normal, I-hate-when-my-mom-nags-me-to-do-something children. However, I've found a solution that still surprises me and helps me deal with my "immediately" problem.

When I need the kids to clean their bathroom, take out the trash, and so on and so forth, I ask,

"Do you want to sweep the garage now or in 10 minutes?" (You pick the time - 5, 8, 10, 20).

They almost always say unanimously, "10 minutes!"

Great by me. I've come to realize I can wait 10 minutes if there's no excessive nagging by me required. I set the oven timer for 10 minutes, and in 10 minutes they do the chore. No arguing or whining. Well, at least no excessive whining, and I don't pull out my hair just trying to get them to stand up.

I think that giving the kids the power to choose the time lets them win what they see as a battle. I see it as a win-win situation. Now or 10 minutes works for me. Whoo-hoo, they do the chore!

Try it. I'm still shocked it works so well.