As some of you know, i have been implementing techniques from Love and Logic.  One of them is the energy drain.  What does the child have to do to give you some energy?  Either sell a toy or do one of your chores.  This weekend it was put into great practice and quite hilarious.  All three of the kids had to choose something.  Cozette choose to clean the dining room floor (no surprise since she loves to anyways).  Vahn chose to clean the kitchen floor.  Hasn’t he learned, you just don’t mess with mama?  He flat out refused so guess what, he immediately went to bed which was about an hour early.  He cried and cried and cried.  But alas, he again had to do another chore (clean a toilet of his choice) the next day and not even a sign of refusal.  HA, mommy wins!!  Chandlur chose to vacuum the living room.  i have never seen a kid have more fun with a chore before!  He experienced the power of suction on everything from his shirt, to his hair, to a blanket.  i was laughing pretty hard watching him get such a kick out of the vacuum hose.  He even went waay above and beyond the call of duty, it was incredible how thorough he was.  He even took it to the toy room and vacuumed that!  i have always thought if they aren’t crying, the punishment isn’t working.  This book, Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood, talks about how it can be fun and still teach lessons.  When Vahn had to do his second chore, at first Chan Man thought he did too and was crying even though vacuuming was so much fun.  Whenever they hear the words “How sad, mommy is loosing energy”, they immediately stop what they are doing and ask if they still have to do a chore.  Speaking of which, nap time today wasn’t very successful and the younger two owe me some time.  It’s fantastic!  i get my house pretty clean (i am amazed at how well they CAN clean) with this technique.  i am beginning to use it more and more:)  If you are a parent, i cannot recommend these books enough!