The other day, I asked a youngster if I could "pick her brain" because she may have advice on raising kids that her mom (who was there with us) didn't think of because adults are old, and forgetful. I asked Bitter-kitten what were good things that her parents did.
"Use sugar as a reward." ...hmmm...I dunno if that's such a good idea.
They're paid allowance to do chores. (That might have worked better with me, the chores and the allowance were always separate issues. I like the formalization. My compromise as a kid, I didn't do chores, and I didn't really ask for an allowance.)
Another friend started training their child as soon as the kid could carry a dish, that every night after dinner the child would "help" do the dishes. Wait a minute. Miss Squeaky and Mr. Grunty can carry things. And they do like to give us things. Mr. G will give me my pink flip-flops. Miss S will bring us dust-balls she finds.
Her mom asked why she doesn't invite her friends over. Bitter-kitten said because she doesn't know what they would do, and doesn't want to be in charge of making sure they aren't bored. Then later, it came out, that sometimes, her mom will tell embarrassing stories about her when others are around. I told her I could relate, it seems my mom also likes to tell the embarrassing stories of my youth. We told Bitter-kitten that it is best to practice hosting.
hmmm....I wounder will Mr. G and Miss S not want me telling their cute little anecdotes to their friends?
One good thing done, is parents put $X in a savings account for each of them each payday. Me & MyBetterHalf should really set up some sort of official savings account for the childrens.
Posted by joncim at July 20, 2008 10:27 AM...oh yeah...Bitterkat said it is important to surround your children with different people with different talents / skills...
Posted by: :-jon at July 21, 2008 09:57 PM