Most of you know that I have three boys and a baby girl – 12, 10, 8, and 5 years old. For the most part, the kids get along okay but by the end of a long winter when we’ve been stuck inside, the sibling rivalry and conflict can just be too much to take.
That is perhaps the most gentle way I know of telling you that the kids, well, they are driving me nuts.
Today as soon as they came home from school the fighting commenced and I just prayed in my best whiny voice, “Lord, please not today. What can I do to make it stop?” Suddenly, I had a brilliant idea.
“Children!! Come in here!! I have a deal for you!!!”
They all gathered and here was my Holy-Spirit-inspired offer:
“If y’all will play board games this afternoon and work on loving one another with no fighting, I will clean your rooms for you today. If you start fighting, you will help me clean the toilets with your toothbrushes which you will then continue to use to brush your teeth.”
Okay, that last part was a joke but I tried my best to make them believe I meant it. (Only one of my many parenting tips you’ll never find in a James Dobson book.)
So, here’s the thing. I’ve had my head in books all day and hadn’t really peeped into their rooms to see what I was getting myself in to.
Oh. my. word.
I don’t think I told you there was a bomb threat at our school on Friday. Fortunately, no bomb was found on the school grounds. However, I think I know why.
It’s because they were detonated in my kids’ bedrooms.
My only hope in weasling out of our arrangement was for the kids to start fighting because that would cancel the deal. But – wouldn’t you know the little brats got along famously the entire afternoon with nary a cross word between them?
And I worked like a stinkin’ dog dusting and sweeping and mopping and digging out mystery food from under beds and missing socks from under dressers.
But you know what?
Hearing those kids laughing together instead of stomping each others’ heads in was totally worth the grueling work.
It does kinda stink that I didn’t get to make them scrub the toilet with their toothbrushes, though.
Now that would have been a memory-maker.
31 comments
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February 27, 2008 at 3:58 am
Dori
I’m dying laughing at the toilet/toothbrush threat! I may use that one!!! :)
I understand about the rooms, but I totally get the precious sound of peace that makes cleaning dirty, stinkin’ rooms worth it!!
Loved this post!
Blessings,
Dori
February 27, 2008 at 4:10 am
Mocha with Linda
You make me laugh so much, my friend! That is so clever. I am never that much on the ball.
February 27, 2008 at 4:10 am
Patty
Lisa,
What can I say? Mom of the Year, I tell ya!!! You just crack me up!! I have a 19 and 17 year old and trust me, they will actually like each other one day!! I have seen my share of fights/arguements but they do get along great now. As for their rooms, well, one is neat and the other has all my dishes up in his room. If I need a dish I just hollar at Jason and ask him to bring them down to me! I learned a long time ago, just shut the door. :o)
February 27, 2008 at 4:50 am
Laura
Classic. Can I use that parenting tip in the talk I am giving Monday night on encouraging families and tips on staying connected? I will give you ALL the credit! :-)
February 27, 2008 at 11:40 am
Deidre
Brilliant! I must try this, but I’m afraid my little ones would think scrubbing the toilet would be a better deal.
February 27, 2008 at 12:30 pm
luvmy4sons
Too funny…Sorry that it worked out the way it did! LOL! I love using cleaning as an incentive and a threat! You go girl!
February 27, 2008 at 1:08 pm
sara
I hate to tell you that it does not get much better as they get older!!! I looked at my 16 and 14 (number 1 is in college) year olds the other day and said “you all are acting like 3 year olds and I have already been through that stage and do not care to go back!” I have seen my boys rooms…….not sure that would be worth the peace at our house! ha!
February 27, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Kelli
Lisa,
As much as my girls drive me crazy fighting, some things just aren’t worth it. I have a new respect for you.
Kelli
February 27, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Lisa
You crack me up! I must say – the idea of actually looking under my son’s bed scares me. LOL
But, praise the Lord for sibling harmony!!
Way to go, girlfriend!
February 27, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Lisa
You crack me up! I must say – the idea of actually looking under my son’s bed scares me. LOL
But, praise the Lord for sibling harmony!!
Way to go, girlfriend!
February 27, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Cindy-Still His Girl
You are BRILLIANT!! I’m totally going to try that.
February 27, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Deb
I have 2 out of 3 whose rooms look like something exploded. Don’t know if I will ever have the energy or the sanity to attempt those rooms! You are my hero!
February 27, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Carrie
Oh what an excellent idea! Making them hug, kiss on cheek, and I love you said…is not working anymore:)
February 27, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Kelly @ Love Well
There’s just something about that laughter, isn’t there?
And I say — don’t cry too many tears over the lack of toothbrush involvement yesterday. With four kids in the house, I think you’ll have ample future opportunities to bring the toothbrushes into play.
February 27, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Queen B
I love it!
What a great idea!!
I will so be using your technique for lots of “positive reinforcement”!!
February 27, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Macromoments
Lisa, I think you should write a book of parenting tips titled IF ALL ELSE FAILS…
I think we should send this link to your kids’ dentist. :-)
February 27, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Mommy Dot Com
I teach a parenting class and am so going to include your story. Funny!!!
February 27, 2008 at 6:25 pm
K. Tilley
To the kids defense, I’m gonna have to let them know I have an unlimited supply of toothbrushes at my house……just in case they might need them…..LOL
February 27, 2008 at 6:25 pm
K. Tilley
To the kids defense, I’m gonna have to let them know I have an unlimited supply of toothbrushes at my house……just in case they might need them…..LOL
February 27, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Jenny
I like that idea, I may have to use that during Spring Break!
February 27, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Christie@tisbutaseason
I so love it! Mine are fighting a lot too! Last Saturday they were makin’ me crazy. My husband looked at me and said, “Make them go outside!” ;-)
I may try out your idea…although I must admit I do not want to clean Saucy Girl’s room. She is such a mess!
February 27, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Amy
What a neat idea!
February 28, 2008 at 2:41 am
Anonymous
Love your parenting tips!!
Congrats on the publishing of your book!!!!! You are soooooo talented!
Wendy L
February 28, 2008 at 3:18 am
Kelley at Aroma of Joy
This is priceless!!! We need more of these “real life” parenting tips! HA! Don’t you think that God must feel the same way about His children when they are fighting with each other? Good thing He doesn’t use our toothbrushes against us!
Have a good one~~Kelley
February 28, 2008 at 3:41 am
julie
Amen Sister. I am so tired of my kids not being nice to each other.
I love the idea about the toothbrush. I actually just bought them each a new one and haven’t given it to them yet. I think I’ll use your idea and then when they get totally grossed out because they have to use it again I will bring out the new ones. THANKS FOR THE FANTASTIC IDEA.
Once again, my visit here has refreshed my soul.
God Bless,
Julie
February 28, 2008 at 6:37 am
darnelle
I think you and I went to the same parenting school!
Once when my second son was about 6, we were late for his dentist appt. because he couldn’t find a shoe – (he literally could not EVER find one shoe. Do you hear me? Never! Breathe . . . ) Anyway, I thought I’d teach a great lesson that day and just took him to the dentist without shoes! “That’ll teach him not to lose his shoes every live-long day!” NOT!
He thought that was the greatest day of his life. The dentist laughed the whole time and complimented him on his choice of socks. He told every kid in the neighborhood about going to the dentist without shoes.
I was nominated for a parenting award for that one I believe. What’s a girl to do?
Darnelle
February 28, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Barb
Hey, if it worked, well…..
I see a second book in the works here. Great Mom Tips. LOL
March 1, 2008 at 6:26 am
Georgia4God
that is hilarious!! I’m just glad that wasn’t used on me :o)
Georgia :o)
March 1, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Shawnee
I love this … I’m so glad the sound of their laughter fueled your energy. I don’t know if I have it in me! LOL!!
March 1, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Missy @ It's Almost Naptime
Lisa, I just love hearing you say that your kids have been on your nerves this week – because MINE TOO. They are being SO ugly to each other. Even 2 year old Maggie pulls anyone’s hair that comes within reach of her.
Is it a full moon or what?
March 4, 2008 at 12:30 am
Jessie
Oh so funny!!!