Thursday, April 11, 2013

Bathtub Trickery

Aubrey is at times an incredibly complex child. Incredibly complex in the fact that she does not want to do anything that you want her to do. So the trick is to convince her that whatever you would like her to do is actually her idea or that her choice in the matter is endanger of being taken. For example, if you want Aubrey to eat her dinner the best way to get this accomplished is to tell her if she doesn't hurry and eat it someone else will eat it up. If you want her to take a bath the best way to get her to jump in the tub is to tell her that you are going to make a bubble bath that only Sylvia is allowed to play in. My sister-in-law, Ingrid, witnessed this phenomenon the other day (via phone).

Me: Aubrey, let's take a bath.
Aubrey: But I don't want to take a bath.
Me: You don't want to take a bubble bath? You can play with your toys in the tub. That will be fun, won't it?!
Aubrey: NO! I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A BATH!
Me: Ok, fiiiiiine. I guess I'll just make a bubble bath for Sylvia. Come on, Sylvia - let's go upstairs.
Ingrid: Is that really going to work.
Aubrey: But I want to take a bath.
Me: Sorry Aubrey, I'm giving Sylvia a bubble bath. You can't take one.
Aubrey: But I WANT TO TAKE A BATH!
Me: Well then I guess you better get upstairs and get in the tub before Sylvia does.
Ingrid: Wow, that was fast.

3 comments:

  1. Reverse psychology is a staple in a mom's toolkit. Jayne would also respond to anything that challenged her physical prowess. "Me: Please bring that laundry basket here...no never mind, it's much too heavy for you. Jayne: I can get it!" Cha-ching. Mrs. B.

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    1. Ha! Love it! and that definitely sounds like Aubrey

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