Is it Bribery or an Incentive?

We're not unlike many families with young children in our A.M struggle to get out the door and to school on time. There are many factors involved... sleepyheads (all 4 of us), losing things, sibling squabbles, cereal in the ear. I could go on, but you know the drill. Instead I'll tell you about my terrible little secret. (whispering) For the past 3 days my boys have gotten themselves up and dressed, shoes on and teeth brushed without a word from us, and only a little help on tie shoes and twisted shirts. (knock knock) Amazing, right! 

How did I do it? What's the secret...

...gum. Yep, G - U - M, gum.  My kids want gum all the time. They got their first piece from a friend (ahem), she is their supplier. I joke, but really I'm fine with it — it's a nice treat when they see her, and it's usually only when the see her. Recently I bought a pack that I thought I'd split and put in their stockings, but it fell out the bag and they saw it. For 5 days they bugged and bugged me for it, and then Daddy finally chimes in "OK OK, you can have the gum!!" "as long as you get your pj's on and get dressed tomorrow morning." (I quickly interrupted) "You can have the gum in the car on the way to school and spit in the trash there." Kids were excited, so then we discussed the ground rules. No jumping on us first. No yelling. No arguing. Work together and get dressed quietly in your room. 

 

I set their clothes out and tucked them in. The next day I woke up to two dressed kids. and again, and again. Ok today I woke up to Dillon having his shirt completely twisted around his head yelling "i can't see, I can't see". But the rest was all good.

I know it won't last. You don't have to tell me. And I'm sure I am setting myself up for some other damage in the future. But I also know that in this stressful very week, I've had 3 great mornings with dressed boys who are on time and happy. We'll see what happens again tomorrow. Thank you, Trident.

Oh, and it's only a 5 minute ride to school. Incase any of you dentists out there were planning a coo.

(knocking on wood again)