Sunday, September 13, 2009

Treats on the Seat


Sometimes school is boring. I know because I volunteer in my homies' classes, and I nearly die of boredom every time I'm there. I think the fear of performing poorly on standardized tests has forced schools to adopt curriculum that will ensure testing success. This drill-like and repetitious way of teaching is tedious and dull, to say the least.

That's why I'm understanding when my kids complain, "I don't want to go to school today. It's so hard to listen for that long." I tell them, "I feel your pain. I could hardly sit through grading papers without grabbing the bathroom pass for a little powder room break. But your job is to do your best, no matter what. Look forward to the good parts of school--library, recess, lunch, art, music, and coming home to your dear, sweet madre." (The sweet part happens five times out of ten.) They usually agree to do this and move on.

But sometimes they really dread going, and their complaints become endless. That's when I cut them off and say, "When I pick you up from school, there will be a treat on the seat, waiting just for you."
This small incentive (bribe) makes them move past the dread and helps them to focus on the positive parts of the day. It also gets them off my back, and I think that's why I really give them the treats.

9 comments:

  1. let me just tell you that going from the yummiest looking sprinkle cookie ive ever seen to a creepy critters is a bit startling :) I only screamed a little. Chad didnt think i was toooooooo crazy probably.

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  2. I'm wondering if you used that knife in the making of the cookies?

    I was buying a sandwich once at a small place on the wharf in Boston, and while the fat guy was making my sandwich, a cockroach appeared, and he cut that mother in half with his knife and then sliced my sandwich in half.

    Yes, I ate it.

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  3. Louise, that is disgusting. Yet, I feel jealous of your bravery. What's the harm in a little bug gut mayo, right?

    I didn't make those cookies; they're store bought. We can't all be June Clever. Besides, I'm a practical kind of gal. Who needs to spend all day in the kitchen when the bakery up the street can do a far better job.

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  4. What a great idea..Treats on the seat! You are such a cool mom. Can I come be your kid?

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  5. Brandee, don't be fooled. I'm only nice 50% of the time.

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  6. Louise, I meant to write June Cleaver, but you're used to my misspellings and other grammatical errors, so I shouldn't feel the need to clarify.

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  7. My friend randomly told me she liked your blog while we were chatting on facebook. So I checked you out. Glad I did. How are your feelings about complete strangers adding your blog to their bloglists?

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  8. I'd love it, Angie. You just made my day!

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  9. I should try the same thing. Thanks for the idea! What a fun mom you are.

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