Parenting Tip: Be PlanFULL

I just wanted to share something that I learned in our parenting class (put on by the university here as a research project) that I think is wonderful.  It's a way to help avoid power struggles.  They call it being PlanFULL.  The technique is this:

When you know you're very likely going to have a power struggle in an upcoming situation, plan ahead with the child.  Before the situation arises (especially just prior to it--such as right before you have to take the child grocery shopping with you, or just before time to do chores, before sitting down for Family Home Evening, etc.),

1-be clear about what behavior is expected, and

2-be clear about what consequences will occur when those expectations are not met, and

3-be clear about the reward for good behavior.

4-(this is the most helpful!)  MAKE DRAWINGS on little post-it notes as you are going over what you're discussing!  Then stick them somewhere where the child can see them during that situation.  The visual aids make all the difference in the world.

Today I decided it was time to use this method with Shark, as we approached time for him to practice the piano.  Sometimes he can get really frustrated and say things like "there's nothing left for me to practice and I still have 20 minutes left" (which is of course completely not true)... "can't we please cut my time short today?" So I was planfull with him, and we covered what needs to be done during his practice time. 

There's one more thing you need to know.  Being planfull does NOT eliminate misbehavior.  Kids will be kids, and they have to test us constantly.  BUT, the goal is to avoid the power struggle (where both parent and child are angry together).   
NO, Shark has not been an angel because of our planfull-ness, but at least ONE major goal was achieved:  MOM was much less stressed with his misbehavior. Because, I knew HE knew what was going to happen--and he was making informed decisions with his behavior.  Simple warnings do the job now, consequences are JUST, and no yelling is involved.  And Mom is not pulling her hair out.  WOOHOO!!!

Just wanted to share.

The Coolest Fire Hydrants Ever

This past year we had a great time seeing these fire hydrant works of art popping up all around our neighborhood.  Aren't they amazing?  I decided I needed pictures of all of them, they are all so unique and entertaining.  So the girls and I picked one afternoon to go exploring, and we believe we've located all but two that we've come across, and have photos of nearly 30 different hydrants.  We had so much stopping every couple of blocks to pose with the different hydrants.  Don't you wish your town's fire hydrants were as cool as ours?

Evidence

Here is yet another example of evidence that our house is inhabited by children.  I went to make some rice the other day, only to find that my rice container had been contaminated with playthings.  I had to laugh!