Saturday, November 22, 2008

Playing Dumb

Don't you wish your kids would do their "tricks" on cue like a dog? Our dog will sit, shake, lay down, hide his face, and speak on command. He does even better when he gets a treat dangled in front of him. He doesn't care who is watching or how many people or watching. He doesn't care if Grandmom stopped by on a special trip just to see the new trick. He does the tricks faithfully and without question.

Sadly, not the same can be said for children. They learn a new song in school and suddenly forget the words around their Grandparents. They wave bye-bye for the first time and you brag to your neighbor. Then the kid deliberately holds his arms down by his side when you ask him to wave. They learn a new word and when asked to speak, only crickets can be heard in the background.

It is so fun to be a parent and have your kid do something you are so proud of. Unfortunately, you cannot get your kid to perform on cue. Dog treats have no effect and bribery only works sometimes. So, what is a parent to do? I say have a video tape handy and play it back when friends and family are around!!!

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