First, you have to read the heart-wrenching, introspective, humanizing story posted by my sister at: http://www.dailygrapefruit.blogspot.com/. This should demonstrate some stark contrasts in our families and our personalities!
Having had a PTC (parent teacher conference) earlier in the day for my kindergartner son, I'm well aware of how much work there is to be done...by California standards, that is. As I've mentioned before, he's not at the bottom, just comfortably somewhere in the middle. Still, there is an obvious competitive side to this parent, so I strap on my boots and get ready to TEACH MY SON, DARN IT!
Near the end of dinner I say to Lindsay: Got get Chutes & Ladders and Candyland. My husband looks at me with pleading eyes..."Yes, dear, we're having Family Game Night. Hayden is going to practice his numbers." A resigned father pulls up his chair.
If you haven't played Chutes and Ladders with a 5-year old, then you should. I don't know a 5-year old on the planet that likes to lose, and certainly, my son isn't one of them. In fact, he has a partner in crime. A 47-year old who conveniently stops the spinner on that magical number that will take them from number 22 to 84 in one ladder if it stops on a "4". Bingo! No problem.
I shake my head at my husband for cheating, and BLATANTLY! Maybe not a FHE principal we meant to teach this evening. Then I see Hayden eyeing a ladder. He needed a 4; he spun a 5.
Counting: One, two, three, FIVE!!!!! Yes!
I shake my head at my husband for cheating, and BLATANTLY! Maybe not a FHE principal we meant to teach this evening. Then I see Hayden eyeing a ladder. He needed a 4; he spun a 5.
Counting: One, two, three, FIVE!!!!! Yes!
Boy, that cheating didn't take long! He picked that right up. Way to go, Pops! Guess who won that one?
Then Candyland. The other game lasted into eternity so we were ready to move on. Hayden quickly "double-red" jumped with a final "purple" draw to make his way to the Candyland Castle where again, he was annointed Winner! That was quick. One last game. In no time flat, AGAIN, Hayden beat us all to the castle.
So let's evaluate what we've learned here: Cheating leads to victory; Winning IS Everything; NOT learning how to be a gracious loser (never had that opportunity); and GLOATING is absolutely appropriate.
Absolutely humbling. For that variety of post, again please see The Daily Grapefruit or http://raisingamazingchildren.blogspot.com//.
So let's evaluate what we've learned here: Cheating leads to victory; Winning IS Everything; NOT learning how to be a gracious loser (never had that opportunity); and GLOATING is absolutely appropriate.
Absolutely humbling. For that variety of post, again please see The Daily Grapefruit or http://raisingamazingchildren.blogspot.com//.
For the other variety of misguided steps and failed attempts at teaching a lesson and laughable parenting, continue reading for your pleasure! Trust me, it'll make you feel better about yourself in no time!
4 comments:
Sounds like my kids...cheating is the only way to go! I need to be more like you. I can't even remember most of what was said at PTCs. That's why your kids are all brainiacs I guess cuz you do stuff like teach numbers through Candyland. Who wouldn't want to learn that way! Way to go big sis. Now...about moving closer to me...
fairy godmother -
thanks for visiting my blog! i've heard lots about you too, from grapefruit. i'm sure none of it's true. (and doesn't she just make you sick, anyway...) but she DID say that you were hilarious, and i agree. love your blog. and the sarcastic comments on grapefruit's blog. she deserves it! :)
I love FHE at your house. I like games. Wanna play some when you get here? :) We can't wait to be with you guys.
I found your blog through Daily Grapefruit. How neat the two of you are sisters. Your post is cute and true. We just played Candyland the other night with our 8,5,4 and yes, 3 year old. And it took forever. It was fun and we had to keep going till everyone won (finished). whew.
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