Preschool Pointers - 30: Just Take It All Away

Problem:

You try to do something nice for your kids and instead of showing any modicum of gratitude, they make little, tiny problems into the most important priority, arguing, fighting, crying and generally making a mess of this. Spoiled? Yeah, but weird, right? Because it's not like you consciously spoil them.

Solution:

Just take it all away. No, seriously. I get a lot of crap for this, but I don't even care. Did you really want to go to that egg hunt anyway? Is the trick or treating for you? Are you going to have the time of your life visiting Santa at the mall? Wouldn't you rather eat all that candy your kids just received?

I mean, don't do it all the time, but sometimes, it's okay. If your kids can't get it together before you leave for an excruciatingly family-oriented event, stay home. They'll be pissed. But they were pissed anyway. And at four, they do get the point.