Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Wisdom of a Sister

I have been having a really hard time with Anslie lately, specifically when it comes to needing to divert her attention while I do something constructive around the house and usually around dinner time. Anslie never really went through a period of separation anxiety around 18 months of age like most kids do but she is making up for it now! And she has this obsession with controlling my hands. Needless to say, it's really hard to cook when you have an almost-two-year old using you for a life size hand puppet.

Today I remembered a trick my sister uses to keep her 3 year old busy while she needs to get something done. She puts a chair up to the kitchen sink, gives her daughter some kitchen utensils, and turns the water on for her to play in. I tried that with Anslie today. It was a miracle! Silence for almost an hour. Good trick, sister of mine. After four kids you have some great tricks up your sleeve!

Untitled-13
Untitled-2
Untitled-1

6 comments:

Tera said...

I really wish I could take the credit for this idea, but mom used to let me wash dishes when I was little. I loved it and would spend hours at the sink. Glad Anslie is enjoying it too. Sometimes I get frustrated with the mess, but then I think about the time it takes me to clean it up versus the time she has spent entertained and the mess is totally worth it!

The Daltons said...

That's a great idea! I'll have to remember that when I have a kid old enough :)

SVB said...

Oh, not little Anslie...she is such an angel!!!! You are brave, the sink idea is genius, I just am thinking about all the water to clean up afterwards, but maybe that is because I can't bend over right now :) I love her Halloween costume too...very cute!!!!

Shelly said...

Leave it to your sis to come up with the great ideas!! Looks like Anslie had a great time-cute pictures!

Catherine said...

Thank you for posting that. I tried with Ashlynn and it worked wonderfully.

GMDonovan said...

This was just great! Cute pictures and good wisdom. Glad it worked out for both of you.