Our biggest problem is inconsistency. I do tell them the rules everytime they get in. and sometimes thats 3 times a day. They are allowed to jump in the first time they get in then they are reminded that is their one and only jump but today they just kept doing it or pushing the boundaries by jumping from the steps or safety ledge and when I pulled them up on it they said we didn't get out of the pool.. We do the 5 minutes out thing but it gets tiring when they are constantly being told off.. KWIM?
I will sit down with them tomorrow and tell them what I expect and ask what they expect from me.
I will say though not long after I wrote this they actually tidied up the mess in the lounge, not perfectly but enough for me to be happy. I think I need to bring my traffic lights back.. That worked great.
Just a thought... when you say 5 minutes out, I assume you mean if they break the rules they are out for 5 minutes? Have you thought about upping that each time? Say 5 the first time, then 10 then 15 - then out for good? Just wondering, maybe 5 minutes isn't enough to make a difference to them.
Absolutely the best thing ever to be consistent. Do whatever you have to, to put something in place that you can follow through. For us it was simplifying the rules, lessening the consequences (so that we can stick to it!) and following through every time.
Good luck, I know it can be hard.
I will be starting the consistency thing this afternoon (kids were great this morning so no need for anything) Obviously friday afternoon they are going to be tired. but I will try my best to stick to my guns
I like the idea of bumping up the time. Hard to stayed focused when they constantly ask is it time to get back in yet but today I will send them out of the pool area completely so they don't bug me. Normally they just sit on the edge..
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks