Parenting Rules

Dearest and I break the ‘rules’ all the time.  Seriously.

We are not above using a promise of screen time (TV, computer, or video games) to coerce persuade Boyo to practice the piano for a little longer.  We delay dessert until after shower time to bribe encourage Girlie to take a faster-than-she-would-otherwise shower.  I’d like to think the way we phrase our requests makes it less obvious: “You can play a game after you practice for about 10 more minutes,” and, “Hurry up and take a quick shower so you’ll have time for dessert.”

Do we believe this is always the right thing to do?  No; in fact, sometimes I question our decisions, wondering whether the kids hold out for rewards before doing what they should do, anyway.  I don’t know if there is a concrete answer.  Maybe it will help them learn the value of delayed gratification, though.  When it comes to doing chores, Dearest and I have always advocated getting them done before going on to other things, so we can enjoy ourselves without extra responsibilities hanging over us.  We already know that it takes our kiddos longer than many kids to learn concepts, and our way of teaching them seems very repetitive and sometimes overly simplistic – as if we are still raising preschool-aged kids.

Whether it entirely fits with conventional parenting wisdom or not, we know that the best thing for our family is to find the best thing for our family.  Even if we have to manipulate make a few tweaks to the rules.

Kraemer Sterling Silk & Silver in 'Red Carpet'

Speaking of delayed gratification, I’ve been waiting weeks to cast on a particular pair of socks because a Ravelry group I’m in (Ankh-Morpork Knitter's Guild - all fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books) holds “Guild Wars”.  We took a break over the holidays but the new round starts February 1.  In anticipation of starting a new project I’ve been very good about finishing up other projects – and I’m really excited to get started with this yarn!  See that sparkle?  That’s 2% silver!  I’ll be knitting ‘Little Exuviae’ socks, a free pattern by Lara Neel of “Math4Knitters”