Created a Bad Behavior Monster
I didn’t want to say we created a monster. Because that’s not quite true. But we’ve created a behavior that we need to change. ASAP. I know one of the things that Brett and I strive to instill in the kids is responsibility and independence. There’s one area that we’ve slacked on. And that’s getting dressed. The problem is mostly with Emma. To thwart any melt-downs we might have in the morning, it’s been our experience that if we dress her ourselves, we avoid any of said melt-downs. But it’s getting to be ridiculous. Changing her own clothes is something she’s very capable of. She does it every night when she changes into her most favorite outfit of the day…her pajamas. But getting out of those pajamas is where the struggle comes into play. Yesterday morning I had had enough and I told her no TV until she got changed. And she decided to miss about 30 minutes of TV simply because she didn’t want to get changed. In the end, she did change all by herself…everything but the dreaded jeans (not a fan of the jeans right now…I think it’s a sensory issue). I helped with those. And I brushed her hair while she watched TV- another meltdown waiting to happen, depending upon number of tangles. Last night? I had to beg her NOT to change into her pajamas. See? It’s not lack of knowledge or ability.
I know I’m not the only one dealing with this issue. And I’m looking for positive ways we can change this and make it “fun” for her. Or at least be able to give an immediate reward afterwards. Any suggestions?
I'm sure she wishes she could enforce this!
Hey Jess-
When we started working on morning “responsibilities” around here we started with having to be dressed before getting breakfast. My kids are very motivated by food though. We also did a sticker chart for completing those responsibilities without complaint. They also can’t do anything fun in the morning until all of their responsibilities are done. Hope that helps