Politely Spoiled

It's tough raising kids and sometimes I find myself focusing on the wrong things. Or perhaps it's just doing what's easiest.

This shot was taken at Target after I bribed the twins to go shopping with me by promising hot chocolate. Yes it's summertime, but they don't care. Don't worry, the drinks are really only smalls, they put them in bigger cups to prevent spills (which didn't really work if you look closely at Connor's hand)

I've noticed lately that the twins are picking up on cues to be more polite. When we were at the grocery store the other day a lady overheard me ask Chloe if she'd like some cantaloupe and her response of "no thank you." With a big smile, the lady commented how polite Chloe was but then wasn't around ten seconds later when she threw a tantrum because I wouldn't buy her a new toy.

It hasn't been too hard to get the twins to say "please" and "thank you." They've also gotten pretty good at putting their dishes on the counter after eating and sometimes will even put away their toys. But the toys are the problem. We have a ridiculous amount of toys, it's embarrassing.  

Carl and I are the biggest contributors to the pile of toys. We'll buy something as a prize for them when they've been good, but also if we think it's cute, or frequently we'll just give in (or give up) when the kids tantrum and get them the toy their screaming about. That last one is the problem, we're reinforcing the bad behavior, and we know it, but usually just want to move on.

Well, at least they're polite. I'll have to work on not being spoiled. Hopefully it's too late.