Monday, September 15, 2008

Forgotten Items

I have many pet peeves and someday I might take the time to make a list of them but one of my pet peeves is when one of my boys forget something at home that they need at school; a book, gym clothes, a lunch, homework, etc. I don't know if anyone else has this problem with their children but mine seem to forget things frequently. Now being the good Mom that I am (or stupid Mom) I always take the items to the school office for them, the office ladies know me well, so that they won't go without or get a lesser grade. I always think that most Moms work and would not be able to bring the forgotten items so maybe I shouldn't. But I figure that I am fortunate enough to be an at home Mom and I am able to do this for my sons but at the same time maybe this is why they forget things because they know that Mom will bring them what they need. So what do I do??
The situation just came up last week (already) when Zack forgot to take his drumsticks to school. He remembered as I was dropping him off at school....actually he didn't remember on his own I had to ask him if he had them. So he wouldn't get in trouble for not having them, I went home picked them up and took them back to the school office so that he would have them for Band. OK, it really is not a big deal but it is one of my pet peeves and for some reason it really bugs me. I thought that I could just stop taking their forgotten items to them and they would just have to deal with the consequences but I just have a hard time doing that. I don't want it to affect their grade and I don't want them to go hungry for the day. But I have to come up with some kind of consequence so that they learn not to be so forgetful. So I have made the decision that when I need to do this for them they need to pay me $1.00. Maybe this will help them learn. This new consequence just went into effect and I explained it to the kids this weekend so they have been forewarned. Well it is Monday and I am already $1 richer! Zack forgot his drumsticks AGAIN! Luckily he remembered half way to school so we were able just to turn around and get them. I did not want to go back into the office with them again! But Zack knew that even though he remembered earlier he still owed me a dollar because as he ran in to get his drumsticks he told me he would get my dollar! Hope this new consequence helps but at least if it doesn't I can probably go out to lunch with the money I make :)

7 comments:

Jo said...

It's a boy thing. I think all boys are forgetful that way. Devon & Milo were. Robert definately is and so is Mike. I've just resorted to reminding them just because I think they can't help it. It's the way they're wired. I like your idea though. Pretty soon you'll have them trained like Pavlov's dogs: forget something pay a buck! Cool!

Kim said...

What a good idea. Do you think it would be too late to train Jeff? :)

Lori said...

Girls do it too--just not as much. I usually let them deal with the consequences--I'm not as nice as you. I'll only bring them their lunch if they have practice or something after school since I think eating breakfast at 5:30 AM and then being at school until 5:00 PM without lunch is a little cruel. Oh, and I did bring Kelsie socks once when she was wearing flipflops to school and forgot socks for basketball practice.

Heather said...

Just know that you are not alone. I think it gets better when they are 18 and out of the house.

Rachel said...

i have the same problem. yesterday Jake caled me to bring him 30 cents. I laughed out loud at him. It wasn't for lunch or anything.

Unknown said...

The best idea ever. I should make my kids pay me for the many times I clean their room. Mackay is only in kindergarten but I am constantly having to turn around for his backpack it is annoying.

Kaye said...

you are not alone.....James once went to school and forgot his shoes.....who does that?