I Got Paid Today!

Paid? You may be wondering just how a stay at home mom (SAHM) gets paid.
This is how.

Actual Occurrence:

Mom takes three little ones to the Public Library. Children are ages 4 years, 2 years and 4 months.

While at the library another mom observes her child and how all of the kids are interacting with each other. This mom says to me (paycheck time!), "Your kids are so polite!"

At that moment I was not sure what to say. It caught me off guard. Not that my kids are all that bad... it is just that it was a huge compliment to me.

I have posted about it before but this is what has worked WONDERS for our family.

When one child wants something that another child has, Grabbing is Not allowed. If you want it, ask for it kindly by saying, "May I have a turn?" The child who has the item can respond in two ways, 1) Yes you may
or 2)You may when I am finished.
It still surprises me when I see it work.
100% of the time grabbing causes trouble.
95% of the time asking kindly they get what they want with peace.

When they need a little coaxing I simply say, "Are you choosing to be peacemaker or a trouble-maker?"

This works for our family. I know that combinations of personality styles as well as other factors has lots to do with it. It certainly pays to be consistant and to not give up. Ah, how rewarding it is when they use it and (humbly) when others see the fruit of your labor. When others see it, it is an opportunity for me to share how we got to that point. I can assure you it doesn't just happen naturally.