Happiness Project : Backlash

I have mentioned, ad nauseum, about reading and embracing The Happiness Project.  I have enjoyed putting many recommendations into place and most have had a surprisingly positive effect.  There was one instance in-particular that has seen a lasting effect, though I don't know if the impact is what we could call positive....or is it?

There was a chapter about the author's (Grethen Rubin) struggle to get her child to brush teeth at night without the normal tantrum and adult loosing temper combo.  This is something that erupts here nightly.  My six year old refuses to brush his teeth and it is a struggle that, due to it's longevity, is wearing me down and taking me places I don't like to go.....

Mrs. Rubin tells how she decided to handle the situation with a matter-of-fact quality, no temper, no emotion, just facts.  She calmly said to her daughter (and I am paraphrasing) If you don't care to brush your teeth that is fine.  Humans brush their teeth every night and every morning, other animals do not.  If you do not wish to brush your teeth like the rest of the humans then you may go outside and sleep with the animals.  She took her daughter's hand and calmly walked her to the back door.  After a couple of nights or so of this reminder her daughter took to calm and compliant teeth brushing.

I chose to tell my son about this story I had read in a book.  I told him a mommy wrote it and that it made perfect sense.  "She's right" I told him, "humans brush teeth, animals don't and apparently the rule of thumb is that humans who don't brush are to sleep outside."  He didn't take too kindly to this advice and had some choice words for the author who would suggest such horror upon a child.

The teeth brushing struggles continue here.  Though interestingly this came home from kindergarten for Father's Day.

It's bullet point #2 that is of particular interest:

"He (my father) never would throw me outside if I didn't brush my teeth, like in the book."  Well, at least the little sucker was listening and comprehending, I think I should continue to mention this little factoid each evening and now since 2 fox have taken up residence in our backyard it should be of much more significance.

Comments

[Everyday Kathy]

What a riot! We have the same fight in our house... I haven't tried Gretchen's approach yet!

[Miss Julie]

oh that Distan! I have missed you Laurie -

[Leah]

Hysterical! I recently heard about an approach for the same situation from our Love and Logic instructor--make your kid pay the dentist co-pay/bills for cleaning and cavities! His logic is that when kids take care of their teeth by brushing and flossing, parents are willing to take them to the dentist for exams and cleanings. If the kid doesn't do his part, why would the parent be willing to do theirs?

I also love that interview! I recently interviewed my kids, one of the questions I asked my 3 year old was, "What is something Mama always asks you?" His answer, "Are you listening?" Evidently he does hear me, he just doesn't listen!

[Julie Knudson]

Love it Laurie - especially that Big Daddy is as handsome as a Tap Dancer :)

[Susan Morgan]

LOL. Out of the mouths of babes. Christian's retort in Point #2 reminds me so much of what Caroline would have said at that age. And probably would say still.

[Dentists Seattle]

Love that. Lovely baby.