The weekend

[raffaellasworld]

I had loaner children for the weekend. An 8 yr old boy, and 5 yr old girl. Mom and dad needed some time away so they went to a Puzzle Pirates gathering in Lynnwood.

Not having children of my own at this point I was somewhat unprepared for just how much child related time dilation occurs. I had planned to leave the house in time to stop by Intrepid_reason's BBQ, before running off to pick up the_doctor, and heading to the MCG 30th Anniversary. As it was the children both desperately needed baths (including dirty neck inspection, and additional scrubbing- we could've grown turnips), cat poo off shoes scrubbing, clothes, cats, and food wrangling, as well as just general guidance. In the end I also failed to notice that the youngest had removed her shoes in the moment I wasn't looking, and I didn't notice until we had almost arrived. Everything was late, we didn't pick up the_doctor until almost 5 I believe. These kids are very smart, the oldest is a negotiator. If you don't choose your words carefully he will try to argue any loopholes like a seasoned lawyer.
E.G.: me:Stop making your sister scream.
BC: But I'm not touching her.
me: I didn't say stop touching her, I said stop making her scream.
BC: < /making sister scream >
The kids had a great time though:






I also found out that morning that later that evening there would be a 45th Wedding Anniversary gathering for their Excellencies Aquaterra. We showed up just in time for the beginning of bardic, which is my favorite part anyway. The boy child told a story for everyone as part of children's bardic. I wish I hadn't left the digi cam in the car, it was so darn cute. We were there rather late, and there was a little political & business poo to be delt with so by the time the kids got home they went right to bed with no complaints. The boy child also got up and quietly poured cereal for himself and his sister the next morning, and actually let me sleep in a bit. All in all they were amazingly good.

I'll post more about the food later, if anyone's interested. I think I've more than met my posting limit for the day though. :)

Comments

[wingedelf.livejournal.com]

There was a Puzzle Pirates gathering in Lynnwood, and I didn't hear about it? *sulk*

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

If I would have known you'd be interested I would have told you. It was right on 196th. I would have offered to watch your boys too.

[the-doctor.livejournal.com]

Hey, I didn't know you were taking pictures! :P That was a great house, though--I want my company to go public so I can afford a house on the lake. ;) And you weren't that late picking me up, honest! I think we got to the BBQ between 4:30 and 5. We were before the actual grilling, which is the most important part anyway! Thanks for the invite, btw!

[intrepid-reason.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a great weekend...I missed you, but you were one of many that didn't show...so it wasn't a glaring absence. I'd love to meet this guy you've been seeing sometime...maybe if I can ever get myself one.. Bleh...

[ciorstan.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes-- diversionary tactics through irrelevancies. Kids are master manipulators, especially toddlers.

I was in Joanns Saturday and a couple and their small child (just shy of 3, I'd guess) were waiting in the line. Small child is jumping up and down begging for candy in that fast, whiny and irritated way that says MISSED MY NAP AND YOU'RE GONNA PAY. The mother looks down at her, says firmly, "No, and you're interrupting our conversation," and said toddler starts in on Daddy, trying to brainwash him into choosing something for her. They ignore her, because in their minds, they've already settled the issue. Kid escalates by going over to the candy rack, asking which one she can have.

Both parents stop their conversation, and one of them says, "We told you no the first time." Kid loses her cool and starts a howling, angry tantum. Mom promptly picks her up and removes her from the store, sans candy.

Excellent lession for the toddler, there-- bad behavior should never be rewarded, no matter how reluctant or tired the parent. I told my kids at a very early age that if they acted out like that, they'd instantly kill any chance they had at getting the object of their desire and we would immediately drop whatever we had selected so far and LEAVE. They called my bluff exactly once, when out shopping.

Now that they're 12 and 14 they look at tantruming children in public with contempt and pity, because in their experience, it never worked. Additionally, my son likes to read [Bad username or site: customers_suck'/ @ livejournal.com] and a quick "You're starting to suck" reigns him right in if he picks a quarrel with his sister.

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

My grandmother had the solution to this, pretty much the same as yours only she took it one step further.

My father saw another child throwing a tantrum who was given what they wanted, so he decided to try it. My grandmother calmly took the toy he was throwing the tantrum to get and asked him if that's what he wanted, and why he was screaming. My father said yes, and she calmly explained that she wouldn't be rewarding that behavior and that not only would he not be getting that toy today, but if he were ever to be given that toy it would be given to charity without him ever playing with it.

He never threw a tantrum again (at least not until adulthood, but that's different).

[ciorstan.livejournal.com]

Go Grandmother! I never had the opportunity to use something like that-- it's a little on the 'scorched earth' side for my taste-- but I would have, if the occasion arose.

[ldylavender.livejournal.com]

Biffy Gnome!!!!
You are so good with children....and you know they love you dearly, these 2...glad you could make it sat night at TE's....see you later!!