Empty threats do not work!
That's it Christmas is here! Love it or hate it there's no getting away from it. The last few days have been full of festive cheer and what feels like heartwarming scenes from its a wonderful life. Who am I kidding?!? It's been more like rage-fuelled action from die hard.
"That's it zero shits given"
Mikey has been exhausted by all the learning through play at nursery this term so he was ready for the break. To be honest so was I. A break from the school run in the rain and snow with a sick baby in tow. Brilliant. I knew it wouldn't last though.
The other day Mikey was dragging his heels about getting ready for bed. Finally, he used the toilet but he wouldn't wash his hands. I used numerous things to convince him he should. I Warned him he would end up with a Gammy eye like his dad (who has conjunctivitis, sorry Phil but I thought fear was a great parenting tactic).
He still wasn't convinced. Eventually, I warned him he wouldn't get the presents he's asked Santa for. Each year I try this forgetting that he just doesn't give a monkies. He takes the teenager stance of "bothered....".
Last try....I was pushed too far. I Told him I would put his advent calendar in the bin giving him a 5 count warning. He STILL didn't care. After a stern intervention from his dad but still not bothered.
That's it zero shits given I tear it up. Or I try anyway. Who's idea was it to put the chocolate in plastic trays? I didn't think this through. However, I achieved the required effect and put it in the bin.
My son now hates me and is crying to his dad telling him there was still chocolate in there. Feeling slightly guilty at this point but empty threats didn't work. He needed to learn there are consequences for his behaviour. I am fresh out of compromise, naughty corners and patience.
The next morning. The first thing he said to me was, "You need to say sorry". I said, "what for"? He said, "you put my chocolate in the bin and that's not kind, My daddy said he would buy me a new one". Erm no!
Anyway, it worked because he went to the toilet that day (as he does most days just in case you wondered....Not just this day). I heard the flush and the sound of his big feet stomping down the hallway. I shout wash your hands! I then hear his feet running in the opposite direction and the tap starts to run. Perfect...even if he needs some reminding.
So yes ready for him to go back to nursery already. Joking we've had our ups and downs but we have really had some fun times together. Apart from the other time he told his dad he didn't care about his mum anymore.
We've been doing lots of baking (with washed hands). Which
is a bloody good job! We had a lovely but unexpected knock at the door. Mikey's bestie brought him a Christmas present. So cute and Mikey was really pleased but I was completely unprepared.
Now I'm new to this children having friends malarky and the etiquette involved. It's overwhelming. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't do anything. So my creative instinct jumped into action. Like a Christmas elf, I grabbed the sellotape (or the cheap alternative I'm not made of money) cellophane and ribbon. Bagged a gingerbread man (person/reindeer), cupcakes and sweets and made a little gift bag. Even if it screamed major afterthought I'm glad we did! I feel like all the years of training were for this moment. Nailed it!
I'm sure the big day will be full of lovely moments as well as "is it bedtime yet?" moments. I will, however, ignore it and enjoy the moment. It's Jacobs first Christmas so we will be making memories. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and enjoy making memories too. Eat drink and be Merry because I certainly will! Mum in a festive Mann's World.
