Yesterday, I realized that our upstairs is in need of a straightening. It being Sunday and all, the children got a pass. Until today. I am a nice Mom, I really am. So this morning I announced that after hygiene was completed they all needed to work upstairs earnestly until I called them down to breakfast. Have you ever heard of histrionics? Well you could've earned a doctorate in it this morning at our house.
10 points if you can guess the quoted/culprit:
"I just can't do that hygiene list, I am so sick of that list. I want to tear it up someday when the parents are asleep, and never see it again!"
"What?! That's not fair, you are going to starve us all so you can have a clean house?!"
Slinking away, pretending not to hear. Getting toys out and setting up a store to sell things to siblings. (Hey, you don't need to be loud to get away with some pretty fabulous histrionics!)
"No, no, no, not hygiene. I can't do it. There is nothing to clean up." Instantaneous attitude adjustment, "Okay Mom!", with a smile and cheerful voice. Oh don't you worry, there was no actual work accomplished in behalf of that amazing performance. The best part? I actually bought it. When will I ever learn?
They were all fed, after they actually finished their hygiene, and I made a deal. If they could get done with the main-floor by the time I was out of the shower, I would clean the upstairs. Don't worry, the main-floor was nice and messy too. Zack got to work in a flash and did it all while everyone else lounged around watching him or playing. When I asked him (I already knew of course) if he had done it himself he said, "Yeah, but I don't care I want everyone else to get the reward too." Some things are worth it and this morning sure was.
There were, of course, many, many, more displays of histrionical behavior but I don't have all day to sit here and type. I've got an upstairs to clean :) Aside from the girls' room which was done by an amazing good fairy.
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