Here are my top 10 reasons, in no particular order...
1. snow
2. cozying up by the fire
3. hot chocolate
4. Thanksgiving
5. Christmas
6. family
7. friends
8. presents
9. Jubelale
*and last but not least*
10. The Santa Effect
I've recently learned about the Santa Effect and how well it works on a preschool aged child. Don't know what this phenomenon is??? Make yourself comfortable and let me break it down for you...
The "Santa Effect" is quite possibly the BEST threat we parents have ever invented.
By threat, I mean, well just that... I bribe Ava into being a good little girl by threatening her with Santa. It's amazing really. All I have to do is say: "I'm going to call Santa..." and she freezes...I mean stops whatever naughty thing she is doing immediately...and says: "OH NO MOMMY!! PLEAAASE DONT CALL SANTA!! I'LL BE GOOD I'LL BE GOOOOOOOOD!!!" Sometimes she even sheds a tear. Simply incredible (not that I like making my child cry or anything...but I do like getting her attention)! You'd think she'd get used to my threatening to call Santa 10 times a day, but she doesn't...it works, EVERY TIME. Maybe it's because I have Santa's number on speed dial?
Yup, this is scary stuff for a 4 year old. The thought of no presents on Christmas morning is unbearable for her. (insert wicked witch laugh here).
Although I do love the Santa Effect and have used it with reckless abandon these past few weeks, there is a down side I have to warn you about...the ENDLESS amount of questions about Santa Claus that come shooting at you ALL. DAY. LONG.
"How can Santa see me?"
"When can I talk to Santa on the phone?"
"How do Santa's reindeer fly?"
"Why doesn't Santa have a dog?"
"Is Santa nocturnal?"
"Why are all the toys in the store if Santa makes them all?"
"How is Santa going to know what I want?"
"Does Santa watch the weather man?"
"Why is Santa fat? That's really unhealthy Mom."
"Does Santa eat at McDonalds?"
"Does Santa like beer as much as Daddy?"
The list goes on and on...but the payoff for answering a few questions is oh so worth it...a child who listens! Hallelujah!
I'm not sure what I'm going to do when Christmas is over...ever heard of the "Easter Bunny Effect"?
15 comments:
Yes the Easter Bunny threat works and I'm not ashamed to say I use it from January to April! I am going to have to steal your Santa phone book entry idea though...that is genius. And have you seen North Pole TV? Worked wonders last year: http://portablenorthpole.tv/
OMG...why can't the "SANTA EFFECT" work in my house??? I SOOOO wish it did. My kids have been out of control and when I threaten with Santa I get comments like..."Mom, Santa lives in the North Pole and we live in Arizona!" One of many witty comments from my 4 year old. Very glad it is working for you though!!
Love it! So worth it, I'm sure!! I used to try and make up for 11 months of questionable behavior in December. It usually worked! I mean, Santa really only pays attention when it's "go" time, right?? ;)
I honestly just laughed so hard at this! The fact that you have that photo and phone number for Santa in your phone is hysterical! And Ava's questions were excellent as well! Loving The Santa Effect!
Oh my gosh- that was the funniest post ever! I am going to fully utilize these skills one day. You are a great writer!
This is so brilliant! I love it! So funny about little Ava's questions, but again absolutely brilliant Mama!
Yes Ava, Santa does love beer as much as Daddy does. Be sure to leave some out on Christmas Eve. He probably doesn't eat at McDonald's. I've heard he's gone Localvore this year.
Love this! Too bad Maddy is still too young for this. Hopefully next year.
Love the Santa Effect and can't wait to use it myself. The first time I heard you say "do you want me to call Santa?" to Ava while we were on the phone, I just about died. And Ava's questions - seriously?? Too cute! Of course Santa drinks as much beer as dad - duh...
I love this post! Can't wait to use the Santa Effect one day.
You might be one of the most entertaining mothers I know... first the world is out of diapers and your kids are potty trained and now the Santa Effect!!! I love it and think you should write a book. I cant wait till your kids are in high school... Too funny! xo
Love this! The Santa Effect is in full effect in our house! I haven't yet programmed his number in my phone--maybe I can save that until next year?! Happy Thanksgiving Blyth's!
Ahh! Hilarious! Smart Mamma! I especially love all of the Santa-related questions and Santa's caller ID photo on your phone.
Smart momma you are...good thing because that little Ava is a smart one too....wonder when she will catch on to the "effect"??!! Can't wait to see all of you....24 days!!
Are you kidding me....another note to self from your blog! Brilliant just BRILLIANT!!! Love the beer comment...leave some out for "Santa."
Post a Comment