in praise of do-overs
SteadyMom inspired me with her post on do-overs:
Let’s try that again.
How much do I love this powerful phrase? Let me count the ways:
- “Let’s try that again” models grace with accountability. It corrects with a focus on what can be done better, not what was done wrong.
- It’s friendly and positive. It requires no raised voices, consequences or punishments. Just a do-over.
- It invokes cooperation and support.
- It works for toddlers, children, teenagers and adults.
- It works for minor and major transgressions.
- It works for parents too.
So next time things don’t quite go as planned, look for opportunities to say, “Let’s try that again.”
Works for me. And just like the song says, grace will lead you home.
For more great ideas, check out We are THAT family.
photo credit: Merry~Blues
Great tip! I’m going to try it today.
Stacey’s last blog post..Keeping cheese fresh longer.
Yes!! This is one of the most important things I’ve learned as a mom! Even those times when I haven’t done anything wrong in imposing a consequence for my kid’s behavior, if I back off the consequence and give him a second chance, he’ll often behave correctly after that and we’ll both have a lot more fun than if I’d stubbornly stuck to the consequence. Click my name for more about that.
Thanks for this tip and the link!