Tricks of the Trade

I know all parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents have their own 'tricks of the trade' when it comes to dealing with kiddos, so I thought it'd be fun to share a couple of my favorite... and maybe pick up some of yours in return.

Problem: Fighting in the car. Whining in the car. Crying in the car. basically being in the car.
Solution: I got this one from teaching Joy School- I turn the radio to the local classical station and tell the girls to close their eyes, listen to the music, and tell me what the song is about. It's interesting to hear what they come up with- Teah's stories are about trolls, fairies, witches, people tip-toe-ing, waterfalls, etc. Very creative. Havi's are similar- fairies, etc. But she came up with one yesterday that made me laugh: "that was a squirrel tooting!" I don't know how long before they outgrow this, but for ages 5 and 3, it's fantastic.

Problem: Bedtime. Talking and getting up after I put them down.
Solution: After stories, prayers, hugs, kisses, etc. I tell them they have to lay very still, and I sprinkle fairy dust (there's always a magical supply in my pocket, the invisible kind) over them. If they hold still and are quiet, this fairy dust will help them have good dreams, but if they move or talk, it disappears. Bam. Two sleeping girls.

Now, who has a solution for getting them to clean their room??