teach kids patience on their own: arm circles

Arm circles.

What are they? They’re both a distractor and a way for two little ones to try to work out sharing issues.

And they make me laugh sometimes when Maddy and Owen initiate it on their own–I know, I’m horrible.

I watched Maddy’s preschool teachers do this, and ever since my kiddos could count to 10 on their own, I’ve used this Quick Trick occasionally with Maddy and Owen.

• Arm Circles: If Maddy has a toy that she’s been playing with for a while and Owen wants a turn, here’s how the ideal arm circle conversation goes:

Owen: Maddy, can I please play with that (whatever it is)?
Maddy: Absolutely!
Owen: How many arm circles should I do?
Maddy: Do 15 arm circles, and it’s yours.
Owen: Okay. (He then makes a huge circle with his arm, counting from 1-15 in a normal pace).
Maddy: (Hands Owen the toy.)
Owen: Thanks!
Maddy: Sure–no problem!

Like I said, that’s ideal. Here’s how it usually goes:

Owen: Maddy, can I have that (whatever)?
Maddy: No, I have it.
Owen: Please, Maddy?
Maddy: No. I’m using it.
Owen: (Desperately, whiny) How many arm circles should I do?
Maddy: A hundred.
Owen: No! Choose 1 to 30 (FYI: 30 has become our limit, the highest Owen can count on his own)!
Maddy: A hundred and thirty.
Owen: Maaaaddddddyyyyy!
Maddy: Fine. 30.
Owen: (Swinging his arm wildly in fast circles and speed counting) Onetwothreefourfivesix. . . .

Just a little something to keep in your pocket. Some days it really does work and solves the never-ending toy-sharing issue in our house. Other days, it’s my little comic relief. I’m really looking forward to the day that Cora gets in on the fun.