Un-creating a Monster

I am afraid I have created a "monster" around here. Not so much a person but an attitude.

To get my kids to move along in the day to the various places we need to be or things we need to do, I often challenge the kids to races. "Let's see who can make their bed the fastest? Who can brush their teeth the fastest?" Oh come on, you know you've all done it too!! It is harmless at first, a fun way to motivate the kids to accomplish something. Well, it back fired!

Isaac and Julia are now so competitive it often results in fighting, arguing, and usually a little screaming. We don't need anymore of that around here for sure! I have also noticed that they are both getting (or have always been - I am just seeing it more pronounced lately) selfish! It seems all I hear is ....

MINE!

ME FIRST!

I WON - HA HA!

And so on and so forth. A few nights ago the kids were both having a difficult night accepting and eating what they have been given. (that's putting it nicely!!) Anyway, they started to compete to see who would finish first (at least they were eating), but it bothered me that they were so focused on themselves that they were being quite "ugly" to the other as they gloated.

So, I changed things up a bit by suggesting that they cheer for each other instead; encouraging the other to do his/her best. It worked!! Isaac finished quickly and then, well you'll see..........






Gabe made up the little song. We are always making up songs for stuff around here. Don't you just love Isaac's foot stomping encouragement. See - there is a way to get your kids to accomplish things - without the ugly bickering and gloating!!