Tuesday 21 October 2008

The Grouch

Today I got so fed-up of telling the boys a hundredth time to pick up their toys that I started scolding and threatening.

This is nothing new to the boys. They know when Mommy has had it up to her eyeballs, they better do as they are told.

BUT...

Today, I was actually scolding Max who has dumped his basketful of cars all over the main walk way, a bunch of kids' DIY of rubber nuts, and plastic parts all over the TV area and he was ignoring me, pulling a tractor and truck along with a piece of string.

Micah had taken the cue quite quickly and had picked up his Lego blocks from the floor.

I was still scolding and started putting some of Max's toy cars into a plastic bag:
"Max, you don't want to take care of your toys, I'm giving these to children who don't have toys to play with."

"NO. I want. I want." He called back, but not seriously picking up his toys.

Micah observed us from the sofa, then said,
"Mommy. You are grouchy. Like the green monster in Elmo's World."

I was actually amused that he made that link. I made the conscious effort not to smile.

But I just explained sternly bout why Mommy's is now the Grouch....

After that was dinner time...and the grouch had left the room.
Mommy was feeding them chicken rice.

7 comments:

cre8tone said...

Oh~ mummy suddenly become like green monster in Elmo's world.. hmmm

Mumsgather said...

The best way for me to get the kids to pick up their toys is to tell them that tea/supper etc is ready. They can come and have their tea/supper as soon as they finish keeping their toys and then they'd rush to keep their toys. Hahaha.

Moomykin said...

u.lee,

I wish I could do that... but if I were to take all the toys away, the grandparents would immediately go buy them some more... sigh...

So I do threaten them, take away the toys and hide them for a week or two, then let them have it back.

You must be very proud of your kids. :)

Moomykin said...

little prince's mummy,

Well, this is of course not my first time scolding them with a very fierce tone, but this was the first time my 4 year old told me I was the Grouch.

That was amusing to me. hahaha...

Moomykin said...

mumsgather,

I wish that would work for me, but my kids are not too crazy about eating, so cannot bribe them. Have to scare them.

Sigh...

Ann said...

I read your post, then I read Uncle Lee's comment...

And I wonder....

Two brothers characters are so different. Wonder how number 3 will be...

What do you think, Ms. once-in-a-while Grouch? :)...got to put that tease in you know!

Moomykin said...

ann,

Yes, every child is very different.

Micah is very cheeky and mischievous, but easier to negotiate with. Also, he is afraid of Mommy being angry.

Max is sweet most of the time, but he is actually more strong-willed and persistent.

3rd one?
I don't know... We shall all wait and see. :)