We spent a relaxing afternoon at the park with Somegirl and her boys. It’s the week before Thanksgiving, but here in Texas, it is beautiful and warm out.
We brought a big bag of sand toys for the sandbox, and the boys had a blast. Eventually, the sandbox went from this:
To this:
Being buried neck deep in sand is what childhood is for, right?
When the sun began to go down behind the trees, I gave the usual 5 minute warning, and reminded them that they needed to collect their bag of sand toys.
After a few minutes, it was obvious that the sand toys weren’t going to be picked up.
It was time to pull out my Love and Logic bag of tricks.
I walked over to the sandbox, said happily, “Time to go!”
I scooped up the bag and remarked, “Oh, that’s sad, only a few of our toys are going back home with us. I guess the rest are staying here since they aren’t in the bag.”
No fussing.
No nagging.
Just a simple statement.
It’s amazing how fast those toys started getting dumped into the bag… 
After about 30 seconds, that tapered off, and they were distracted and playing in the sand again with the toys that were left. I was once again left with a Love and Logic choice:
I could nag them to finish.
Nag them to put on shoes.
Nag them to get up and leave.
Or I could just walk away.
“Bye guys!” I said with a smile as I started walking toward the car. Somegirl was on the same page with me, and she started for her car too. ;)
It’s amazing how quickly they scramble to follow just like little ducklings.
I’m always in awe of how stress-free, simple, and effective it is! They rushed to follow us AND gathered up the remaining toys, and their shoes and socks, without a single word from us! What’s not to love?
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
I absolutely adore the Love & Logic parenting books and classes! I highly recommend them, and no one is paying me for writing this post. :)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Ok- getting this book back out and making my husband read this!!!
Thank you for such a practical post!!! I so needed this!!
Glad you liked it. Can’t remember…. Did I suggest you see if you can find some Love & Logic classes in your area? They are hilarious and useful at the same time. Many schools or PTA’s or early childhood groups put them on for parents for free. Or, see if you can find the CD’s at your library. It really helps to listen to the examples, I think.
LOVE the pictures!!!! Also LOVE having a Love and Logic friend and accomplice!
Me too! Thankful for our friendship and the boys being friends too.