Jul

18

Baby, it’s time to go.

Posted by Summer M

July 18, 2007 |

We are pretty lucky to live a few minute walk from the park. When the weather is nice we can walk down without needing to carry much stuff with us. The walk to the park is usually a great one. We laugh, skip, sing, and talk about all the things we are going to do once we get.

Leaving is a different story, however.

One of the downsides to walking there is that we have to walk back home. No matter how long we stay or how much we play they are never ready to leave. Begging, pleading, bribing, demanding, nothing ever seems to work. A few days ago we were enjoying a morning at the park, but when it came time to head home for lunch and little brother’s nap time I could feel the tension already growing. Suddenly I was struck with an idea. I started telling my oldest a story. Oh it was a great story, full of monsters and pirates and guns. All of the things he absolutely loves. As I told the story I gently gather the shoes and slipped them back on the boys. Then while still talking I tokk their hands and began leading them away. To my suprise they didn’t seem to notice. Instead of fighting me about staying they were pulling me along, declaring that the monsters were behind the trees we were passing or that the puddle up ahead was really an ocean full of pirates. I let them get into the story and make it their own, playing it out as we went. Within minutes we were on our back porch.

Suddenly I felt as if I had a newfound superpower. The trick seemed to work in a lot of other situations as well. Like leaving the library, getting dressed in the morning, and even keeping them occupied while I finish the last of the dishes. Waiting for me to get done is almost too simple when they have tales of monkey boys living in the rainforest or giant moon bugs landing on earth. A fun story told with feeling and excitement draws them in and makes them happy. And when they’re happy I”m happy.

If you liked this check out the other tips at Works For Me Wednesday.

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Comments

11 Comments so far

  1. Sarah on July 18, 2007 8:02 am

    This is perfect! My kids hate leaving the park but also love hearing stories. I’ll have to try this one!

  2. Paige on July 18, 2007 9:00 am

    That is a great idea! You are brilliant! Now if I can just think of a story when I need one.

  3. Carey on July 18, 2007 10:12 am

    Very cute! One thing that works for us is I have my kids say good bye to the park, and see you next time. They also say thanks for letting me play..to the park. It has worked very well for us, with very few tears, which makes going that much better.

  4. Mary on July 18, 2007 11:53 am

    What a wonderful idea! I love this, it’s perfect! And all of us and exercise our imagination muscles. :D

  5. SeaBird on July 18, 2007 12:31 pm

    Ahhhh, a newfound super power is always amazing - I’ve had a couple of those, too!

  6. kate on July 18, 2007 3:04 pm

    whenever i need my son to eat, especially if i’m trying to accomplish something at the same time, like do dishes, i tell him a story. we have a bear family who lives in our woods, so we’ve named them (Stella, BoBo and Juni) and i tell about all their adventures while he (hopefully) eats and i get stuff done. it’s great!

  7. Leisa on July 18, 2007 7:11 pm

    What a fab idea. It’s a great idea as a “treat” rather than resorting to food etc!

  8. Misslionheart on July 19, 2007 4:47 am

    I *love* taking the children to the park, but asking them to jump back into the car really does put me off taking them in the first place.

    I’m not sure the kids would fall for this but I’ll give it a try!

  9. Cherie on July 19, 2007 11:45 am

    This is great! I’ll have to try it for my kids!

  10. Sara on July 20, 2007 1:26 am

    Perfect idea! Great suggestion.

  11. Susan on July 22, 2007 2:23 pm

    Just a little note–57 years from now, your kids will still remember these stories.

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