After gritting my teeth after Kiddo slammed the door for the umpteenth time I decided a different approach might be in order. So I stepped into my most enthusiastic voice and said, "Kiddo! I just realized I never taught you how to close a door! Watch!" I showed him that if he turned the handle before closing the door, it doesn't slam. "Wow!" He was into it, actually and practiced a few times.I won't lie to you, I still hear the door slam a lot, but every now and then I catch Kiddo testing out how to close a door silently.
It's amazing how far a peppy attitude will get you.
You have to be the cleverest mom ever. I love keeping up with your blog. Your wry wit and innovative parenting make reading your blog a real pleasure.
ReplyDeleteNellie
Grrrr... I know what you mean! PBug slams the cabinet doors and my approach has been to have her do it again silently... I'll remember your approach for the future. Thanx :)
ReplyDeleteFunny.
ReplyDeleteWe're really working on tone around here, and stepping into sweetness and humor sure helps us all feel more happy! :)
I love your approach! We are having trouble with slamming doors around here but it is with my 15 month old who can't reach doorknobs yet!
ReplyDeleteI remember my mom making me practice closing the door over and over and over whenever I slammed it. But I think I was bout 8 or 9 at that point.
Fantastic post! Your blog always makes me smile. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is too funny. My husband see me do stuff like that sometimes and when he remembers he makes the attempt too.
ReplyDeleteNellie: Thanks for such a nive comment!
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone's days are slam-free!
I'm late to the game here--just trying to catch up--but what a great idea! I hope I'm so patient when L starts the door-slamming thing. This also made me think of one of the best discipline measures my father ever used: when I was a teenager and got into the nasty habit of slamming my bedroom door defiantly, he came to my room and without a word, took the door off the hinges and carried it away. I got it back, of course, but the lesson was learned, and I've rarely slammed a door since.
ReplyDelete