Bland to Grand

Why would I choose such a title for my first blog? Two reasons: 1) I'm fresh out of witty titles, and 2) I looked around my room for inspiration and I was left with the overall feeling of dissatisfaction with my surroundings. Therefore, I coupled that with my desire to create more in my life and the title was born. Plus, it rhymed. I'm in a rhyming mood lately.

I have discovered a few fun little rhyme-y sayings that I'm starting to use with my kids. The first one I stole from a tv show. I use it when my kids start to complain over what we're having for dinner (an infuriating whine-fest that must be stopped!): "You get what you get and you don't get upset." Lo and behold, give a kid a rhyme and his behavior changes!! Who'dathunk? So last night when I was writing a note on the whiteboard on their bedroom door about being grateful for their teachers' efforts today, I came up with my own: "No complaints and say Thanks." My husband says that doesn't rhyme but I beg to differ. The underlying thought of this little ditty? Shut up and be grateful. But since it rhymes, it is nice! And I can say it in public. And fellow Moms will think I am great. And that's the whole point of teaching them manners anyway, right??

So my advice for you, since you didn't ask for it and apparently that's the best time to give it, is that when you are trying to discipline or teach your children manners, make it rhyme. Good for all occasions!! Need a little help getting started? Here are some more gems: "Mommy'll go crazy if you are lazy!", "If you whine, you buy me wine", and "Potty's are for poop, not your toys". Oh man, have to work on that one.....