Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Mommy Tip Tuesday

My friend Amanda does a Mommy Tip Tuesday on her blog. She features creative ways to solve everyday problems or simple things that might make our kids (or us) happier. She invites others to share their ideas as well. So here is mine.

A while ago, Connor was having a difficult time staying in his bed at bedtime. He needed a drink, to go potty, another kiss from daddy. Anything he could think of to delay bedtime. You know the routine. We've all been there, done that! So, to help encourage Connor to stay in his bed I bought a jar of Pineapple Vinegar (for no reason except the jar shape) at the Dollar Store and dumped the contents. I then got some various colors of Art Sand. For every night that he stayed in his bed, Connor was able to put a scoop of sand in his jar. Sirri participated as well. We decided that when their jars were full they would get to go on a date with Mommy and Daddy. Both kids LOVED this activity and asked first thing in the morning, "do I get a scoop? do I get a scoop?" It worked really well. I would recommend this activity for any issue that you may be having in your home.


Sirri's jar is on the left. Connor's is the very blue one. he only has two scoops of red in the whole thing and one of those scoops his friend Koy added. I guess Connor knows what he likes and sticks to it!

Notice that the sand looks "sloshed" around. The sand settles after the jar is filled. Make sure to fill them to the very top and then pack something, like tissue, in the top to keep the sand from shifting when you are done.

P.S. You can get the sand for cheap through Oriental Trading and yes, Shally, you can get pink!!!!

17 comments:

♥Shally said...

That is a GREAT idea! Jaxon would love it!

My twins will love it as long as there is pink sand available for Serae.

Anonymous said...

awesome idea - only if mine were younger...

Daiquiri said...

What a clever idea! I think it's so funny that your son's jar is all blue. My oldest is like that too. For the longest time, every time we went out to eat all he'd order was a grilled cheese sandwich. I was thrilled when he got to choose the restauraunt one day and he chose a Mexican place. I found out why when we ordered..."they have the best grilled cheese!" Unbelieveable!!

the wrath of khandrea said...

i did this same thing with my middle child. it was fantastic! he filled up 2 bottles, and now we've "weaned" him off it, and find he's making better choices on his own.
he had all these cool layers in his, and then he took it to school for show and tell, and it came home a mess of mixed colors. it bugged me more than it did him.

Annie said...

Good idea I think you were an an answere to pray!! I might just try that with Dal. he is killing me with bedtime.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea and a fun reward that's easy and cheap. I'm so glad it worked. Bedtime is the most stressful time of day for us.

Kim said...

GENIUS!! You do realize I will be calling you daily when Sarah gets bigger. Aunt Lisa's ideas are too good!!!

Anonymous said...

Lisa-Marie - E-mail me and I'll send you my summer schedule. ;) laurie@executivehomemaker.com

Amanda said...

Thank you so much for participating in Mommy Tip Tuesday. It means a lot to me and I hope you join me again!

I LOVE your idea! WONDERFUL! I may have to try this with London. She is being a bit stubborn when it comes to eating her dinner - even when I KNOW she's hungry. And it's a good thing we can get pink sand, too! Otherwise, the deal would be off. LOL! :)

Tristan said...

This is a fantastic idea! I don't have problems with my kids yet, but I may in the future so I will keep this in mind!

Emily said...

Once again, I am not surprised that you are doing something fun and creative. You are the coolest! Side note - what in the world is pineapple vinegar and what is it for?

Lauren in GA said...

I LOVE IT! I really need to try this with Brian!!!!!!!!! He keeps climbing into my bed at night and it is making me loopy!

I LOVE this post idea, too. Brilliant! :)

Hazen5 said...

Smart idea from a smart red head!

Colleen said...

what a great idea. i will have to pass it along for my nieces and nephews. your're so clever

Hollyween said...

FANTASTIC idea .... and it's pretty too. I like ideas that don't junk up the house like other kids projects and crafts... Know what I mean?

I gotta try it.

queenieweenie said...

do you think it would work on a 13 year old?

Grandma W. said...

You are just too clever, Honey! Here I am behind again! It's those two scrapbooks I am doing!
I am nearly finished!! So glad!!