Trash Can Play Time

Yes.
He is sitting
in a trash can playing lego.
He assures me it is comfy and
that I should try it ! Not on your life !
We've started something new with Jono.
We've been thinking he needs to be able to have
some more privileges, you know, now that he is getting older
and more responsible. A couple of weeks ago we started letting him
stay up later than Alia. She goes to bed at 7:30 and he doesn't have to go to
bed until 8:15. He is allowed to play in the toy room, quietly, from 7:30 - 8:10.
We have given him a clock and it is his responsibility to make sure his toys are cleaned up
and he is in bed by 8:15. He has done so well ! One night, early on, he was still in there cleaning up at 8:20. He gave me some excuse. I told him that with privilege came responsibility and if he couldn't be responsible to make sure he got to bed on time that he would not be able to 'stay up late' anymore. I told him that from now on, if he didn't get to by by 8:15, the next night he
would go to bed at the same time as Alia. It's been two weeks and he hasn't been
late to bed. Not one time ! He comes out at 8:10, gives us kisses and cuddles
and then gets in bed ! It's incredible. I think it is having the desired effect.
Teaching him responsibility and helping him to feel that little bit more
independent but in our safe environment. I'm seeing some
improvements in attitude as well. We're not 'there'
yet but as Rory
said to
me

yesterday.
"We are getting there ..."
I'm glad he thinks that. It gives me hope.
And that, friends, is all I need.