One of the guys that was in our small group is always teasing the boys, but specifically Noah. Noah can take it the best and comes back with some zingers. For instance he always used to say to Noah, "Where's your boat?" It made Noah so mad because he couldn't convince Jon he didn't have a boat. One night Noah and I brainstormed about what he could say to Jon when he asked Noah about his boat. We came up with something so the next time Jon asked Noah about his boat Noah said, "I don't have a boat. Could you baptize me?" Jon laughed and laughed.
After a while Noah politely asked Jon if he would stop teasing him about the ark. Jon obliged since Noah was so adult about it. So now it's just good natured ribbing on both sides.
Jon and his wife were helping with Vacation Bible School with the games and one night I was back in the kitchen getting an adult snack and he comes up to me and says, "Noah was in eating his snack so I sat beside him and asked him what was going on. He said to me, 'Jon, you know what happens when we be bad at night? We get spanked and then we have to go downstairs and do work. Whatever work Mom says for as long as she wants us to work. I had to work last night.'" At this point Jon is looking at me for confirmation or denial.
I just laughed and said, "Yeah, that's true, we do make them work." I explained our policy of bedtime and if they are awake enough after they've been put to bed to be loud, talk, get out of bed, bother their brothers, etc. then they are surely awake enough to help with chores. Then I said, "Yeah, he was up until 10:00 last night working." Jon laughed at our creativity and I laughed that Noah tattled on himself to Jon. That boy cracks me up!
5 comments:
What Noah told Jon was proof that Noah understands bed-time rules. It is wise to productively use that energy downstairs so other brothers can sleep. This is a sign of great parenting, Mom & Dad!
How funny that he tattled on himself! That boy is definitely a thinker. :)
I love the bedtime chore alternative. Much better than losing my head with a 3 year old. :) Noah sounds like an adorable kid, even if he is a night owl.
Awesome, I might try that with Wesley when he tells us that he isn't tired, give him an alternative to going to bed. Wesley isn't as motivated to doing chores, so maybe he will go to bed on time!
I love creative punishment, I have learned a lot at the Y and getting kids to do stuff (or to stop doing stuff). I have also learned that if you correct them on the first day, they are a lot more respectful the rest of the session.
Great idea!! I might have to use that bedtime rule.
Post a Comment