Parenting Brilliance

Most of the time I am unimpressed with my own parenting skills - impatience, repetition, because-I-said-so-ness. But every once in a while I shine. Since my kids never seem to notice said shiny-ness I'll give myself a virtual pat on the back here.

We have quite a few TRIO building blocks, which the boys seem to think are designed only for constructing guns. They stack these in long sections, add a handle and then point them at each other and run around the house shooting. This is ok, on occasion, when everyone is in a good mood. More often it is very, very bad news. When they tried it last week it was the bad news kind of situation.

I tried discouraging words, frowning faces, and strict instructions to put away the offending blocks. My efforts were rewarded with bickering, tearful children.

Enter Brilliant Mom. How about suggesting another use for the blocks? Creativity + competition usually works, so I suggested that we evenly divide the pieces, send everyone to a separate room, and you build something awesome and come show it to me. Sam wanted me to pick who made the "best" creation, but Judge Mom is never a good idea so I offered to take pictures instead.

Jude and his snow machine. It makes snow.

Sam with army tank.

Alien family.

Pretty neat, huh? This worked beautifully for about 20 minutes and then everyone turned cranky again. I don't remember why. I do remember that these lovely children didn't notice Brilliant Mom. Which reminds me to say: Thank you, Mom, for all the creative energy you invested in me when I was 5 years old. I love you!