Sentences

My favorite form of discipline for Cooper and Natalie? Writing sentences. You would think that I am making them write with fiery coals on a volcanically hot tablet. They cannot stand to write sentences! The usual amount that they have to write? 10. If they actually sat down and wrote all 10 without talking, arguing, crying or screaming, they could do it in less than 5 minutes. This is not common though. They both feel the need to argue with me and/or declare that they are NOT going to write the sentences. Nope, sorry. Once I issue the punishment of sentences, it sticks. I will not recant. When Natalie knows she is wrong and is remorseful, she will write them quickly and efficiently. However, there have been times that she has had to sit at the table for over an hour because she refused to write them. Cooper is the same way. Rarely will he write the sentences without putting up a 15-20 minute argument. (He only relents when I threaten 10 more sentences.)

My rationale for sentences: it is a great alternative to spanking or timeout. Cooper is too big to spank. Timeout is only effective some of the time. Writing the sentences (ten times!) may make them think about their behavior the next time. If not, then they will have another chance at writing the same sentence 10 more times to see if it will sink in. Also, at the very least, it will keep their penmanship skills sharp!