It was our turn to bring a snack for pre-school this week which means I become a parent volunteer for two hours to 17 four-year-olds.
It was a successful two hours of playing my little ponies, watching and then being part of a puppet show, reading a book to my little Camryn that then turned into half the class and pretending to eat more than my fill of fake food.
But come the end of class, as all the kids were responsible for getting all their winter gear on, I noticed my kid taking her time, doddling and being totally distracted. Sure this is or can be fairly normal for a four-year-old.
I asked the teachers if Camryn is always the last one to finish getting dressed at the end of class. And the answer was a resounding yes.
Was I surprised? I guess not because on a daily basis at home I am banging my head against the wall, repeating “Camryn, get your jammies off,” “Camryn, get dressed,” “Camryn, eat your supper,” “Camryn, it’s time to go, get your jacket on.” And then ultimately, “Camryn, hurry up, now we are going to be late.”
UGH! AH! GRRR!
I take pride in my parenting. I feel like we’ve done a pretty decent job so far, but we are not perfect. And I can’t help but to wonder how all this nagging and “hurry upping” is going to affect her in adulthood. Not to mention how all the frustration we both feel from our nightly bedtime battle is exhausting and stressing us both out!
We show Camryn a tonne of love and affection on a daily basis and we focus on complimenting her on who she is not how she looks. We encourage her to have fun and help her focus on details and the process – just like we as athletes are taught.
But what I can’t figure out is how to get this child to move faster than the turtle time she is on and understand that the quicker she gets dressed or ready for bed, the more play time she has and the more books she gets.
I know, I know, she’s four. I get it. Give her some slack.
I’ve tried a few different things including starting to get ready earlier to leave the house, or start the bedtime routine earlier, but it’s like she knows how to tell time even when she has no clue.
“Just one more minute, mom.” “Mom, I’m too busy.”
Seriously?!
So instead of me sharing my lessons of motherhood, sports and life, I am turning the tables and am asking YOU for tips, tricks and lessons learned to get my kid to listen better and be more efficient.
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