Monday, July 18, 2011

Your mission, if you choose to accept it...

When we get the kids drinks at restaurants--even with tops and straws--at least one drink gets spilled.

Almost every single time.

So on our recent trip to Five Guys (you know, the peanut-popping visit), I tried something new.

"Okay, kids," I said. "I have a mission for you! Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to...not spill your drinks." I looked at them enthusiastically. "If you can get through dinner without spilling, you will have completed your mission!"

They needed a bit more explanation of what a "mission" is, but they gladly accepted it.

And it worked! There were bits of peanuts all over the table and floor, but the drinks remained unspilled.

Chickie in particular seems to have really taken to this strategy. Yesterday I gave the kids drinks in open cups and warned them if they spilled, they wouldn't get any more. "Is it our mission not to spill, Mommy?" Chickie asked. I assured her it was, and Chickie carefully drank the whole cup without incident. (Zoodle didn't have the same level of care, but...he's learning.)

My daughter has inherited her mommy's goal-oriented, competitive nature. I'll have to think of other ways I can utilize these qualities. I'm thinking a room-cleaning mission may be in order soon!

4 comments:

Call Me Cate said...

I think that's a great way to handle it. It seems like the natural progression after bribing (though maybe if they complete their mission successfully, there can occasionally be an award!). I totally want to go on a mission now. Maybe a napping mission?

Cathy said...

A blast from the past: "Spill!" :)

SurvivorBlessing said...

I am so glad this fun activity worked!!!
It is not bad to be competitive....

Unknown said...

What a fun way to work on spilling cups! We need to work on that with Ian. I am sick of policing his cups to prevent spills.