Taking away a child's Privileges DOES work

First, lets set out the difference between a privilege and a need. A need is feeding your child. Although, it may be tempting on those not so wonderful days in motherhood, we must feed our children. We must help them with their homework and we must guide, nurture and listen to them even when we do not like them at that particular moment. These are examples of needs.

A want would be play dates, ice cream and/or treats, 'special time' with mom and dad or other relative. These are examples of privileges.

Last week my two daughters had a friend over for play in the backyard. They made lots of messes and neglected to remove trash---food papers were left strewn across the backyard. And so, I held THEM responsible to not only clean it but they lost play dates (their favorite privilege) for an entire week. Today I am happy to report that they are very aware of leaving trash in the backyard and they are even cleaning up with a smile.

Privileges are a powerful tool, ladies. USE it!!

Pop is best served up as a side dish to life.

Mom and the Pop Life