The Power of Silliness

Problem: Lily doesn’t like to be dropped off at preschool. Sometimes she’s just clingy, but sometimes it makes her cranky. This isn’t any fun for me, and it can be a real a frustration when I’m late for work.

Solution #1: We pull up to the preschool, and I park the car. I say, “Time for me to go to preschool! I can’t wait to see what crafts we’re making today! Or to play with my friends on the playground! Have fun at work, Lily! Hope you enjoy all those meetings and emails!” This gets her laughing every time.

Solution #2: We pull up to the preschool, and I park the car. I roll down Lily’s window, then reach through the window to unbuckle her. Then I pull her out of the car through the window, Dukes of Hazzard style. I tried this for the first time today, and she thought it was the funniest thing ever.

Not Solutions: Explaining to Lily why I need to get to work. Or losing my temper in frustration. She doesn’t understand my explanations, and getting mad just teaches her that getting mad is how you solve problems.

When you’re tempted to get angry, get silly instead. I’ve been juggling work and parenting all week, and this advice has made all the difference!

Image: “The Sacred and the Silly,” me, Flickr (CC)