Why Short Attention Spans Aren't That Bad!

Over the past few months I have noticed that when my kids are nagging each other and being a right royal pain in the behind, that diversion tactics work wonders! I've always been reluctant to give them 'jobs' as such, as I find it so much easier just to do it all myself.

But when I'm standing there in the kitchen making dinner, and my boy (nearly 3) wants a cuddle - well it just isn't the easiest time! So now I get him to 'help' me. He will go get the milk and even take the top of it for me, or he'll put the butter away or get me a pot ... he's a great little help - and it saves me doing it too! lol But I have found that this sort of thing helps me out and keeps him occupied.

Sometimes coming up to dinner time, the kids will get a bit scratchy... they are getting hungry, and I'm trying to get things done. The other day I was trying to get the washing folded quickly before dinner. My girl was pretty grumpy. so I asked if she wanted to help. She was keen, and though I find it easier to do myself - she was very proud of the things she folded! (When she wasn't looking, I did refold a couple of things! hehe).

But little diversions like this work wonders. Even when we are out and about. Walking home from kindy, my girl is very good and walks beside me holding on to the stroller that my boy sits in. Well today, he wanted to get out and walk.... I thought I'd give it a go, but no - he would not hold on to the stroller - he wanted to walk on his own. Well I didn't want him doing this, so back he went, into the stroller. He was none too pleased about that and started screaming and throwing a paddy. I pointed out to him the big truck down the road and we started talking about how it's a concrete truck and what it does etc.... within seconds he forgot that he ever wanted to walk! lol I guess we can thank their short attention span for things like this! :)