This entry is dedicated to Tara R.
It had been a tough summer. I envy the moms who make motherhood look so effortless and carefree. I can’t say I’m having that experience. I love my son with all my heart but the past three or so years have been the toughest of my life. Part of the problem is Nate’s developing brain is constantly looking for input, mostly from me, which I have little energy to supply. I could have him leave me alone by allowing him to watch hours of TV but I don’t want that either. I bought activity books which resulted in reading, writing and solving math problems earlier than the school’s curriculum. The social aspect of school has helped a bit but his cerebral need is perpetual. If that’s too wordy, try this:
Tired mom who doesn’t want to play for several hours
+
Denying son of electronics games and TV =
Son’s infinite possibilities to annoy mom
I’m not sure if that can be a mathematical equation with “infinite” in there but then again, I was never good at math. What I do know is that the eye twitch I’ve been experiencing since August is still there but it has eased since I discovered a wonderfully easy technique that entertains Nate and changes his behavior while at the same time not using too much of my energy.
Nate loves to write notes on 2x2 sticky pads. Many times they say “I love you” on them. I find these notes all around the house: the refrigerator, my nightstand and of course on the floor. One day I saw he had written something new. It was a note to the leprechaun asking him for all his money. When I read this a cha-ching sound went off in my head. If money is the motivator, why not use it?
With a great sense of renewed hope for my mental well-being, I secretly authored a note as the leprechaun. Here’s what it said:
To Nate,
You did not say “please”! To get my money, you must be a good boy and keep your promises.
The Leprechaun
It should be known that just 8 hours before this, Nate adamantly stated that the promise he made to listen to his parents meant nothing.
When Nate found the leprechaun’s note, he was ecstatic. With the note grasped in both his hands and eyes wide with anticipation, he read it out loud to Alan and me. He was encouraged that the leprechaun said he could actually get some money but I don’t think he fully realized what it was going to take. It took a few days and a few notes from the leprechaun saying he was watching and was sad by the bad behavior he saw. The leprechaun’s advice was very close to what Mom and Dad have been saying all along. Within a week, Nate’s behavior had changed quite dramatically and for the better. He’s five years old – I’m not looking for perfection just an attitude adjustment so I could wake up in the morning and not wish I had stayed in bed with the covers over my head.
I admit I enjoy seeing Nate run to the table with high expectation of finding more notes. After all, he began keeping correspondence and was eagerly waiting to read the answers to his questions. In my eyes, this translated as Nate was finally listening to me. The first week, Nate was looking every couple of hours. I explained that the leprechaun only comes when no one is around. I found that leaving notes twice a day seems to maintain the peace and happiness that Alan and I so desperately want in our household.
Nate has been so well behaved that the leprechaun has even left a small treasure from his pot o’ gold – a quarter. This event has been epic in Nate’s young life so he has enthusiastically told many people about his fortunate experience including librarians, grocery store cashiers and the mail carrier. He has told some of his classmates who seem cynical about it but fortunately, this hasn’t shaken Nate’s belief that the leprechaun truly exists.
Like most stages in Nate’s life, eventually he will grow out of it. I hope it is something he just loses interest in (while still keeping good behavior) and doesn't find out that the leprechaun’s advice and treasure was only as far away as his loving mother.
No comments:
Post a Comment