Carpool Goddess

Adventures From Carpool To Empty Nest

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Published Work
    • My Books
  • Writer’s Life
    • Reading List
  • Parenting
  • College
    • Empty Nest
  • Midlife
  • Contact Me

No One Puts Baby in a Corner…Well, Yeah, Actually They Do

My Dad had an interesting way of handling things. When my siblings and I would be screaming, fighting, and crying with no end in sight, he would call a cease-fire and ask us what happened. Of course, we each had our own version of the truth. And as you would expect, we blamed each other.

When it became clear it was nothing more than silly sibling squabbling, my Dad would make each one us stand in opposite corners of the room and forbid us to look at each other, or worse, laugh.

Well, you and I both know what happens when you’re told NOT to do something – it’s what you WANT to do most! So, it was just a matter of time, usually seconds, before we’d sneak peaks at each other, giggle, and go into hysterics. By the time we caught our breaths, we no longer cared who or what the argument was about.

Clutching our bellies, we promised to play nicely if Dad let us leave from our corners. A big smile spread across his face and he’d nod. And that’s how it was done.

When my kids were younger, if things got out of hand and I was too frazzled to do the “Go-In-The-Corner” method, I used Time-outs. It seemed to give everyone the chance to cool off a little (including me). Then we’d reconvene and talk it out.

As kids get older, not all conflicts are resolved that easily. Nor does the peace always last. I’ve learned to appreciate those moments when no one is fighting. And sometimes, for no reason, I put myself in a Time-out. It’s really nice there.

 

Share
Tweet
Pin
Share

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: putting a child in the corner, sibling conflict, sibling rivarly

Comments

  1. ChecklistMommy says

    April 19, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    I a SO going to try the CORNERS thing. Love that.

    Reply
  2. Donna Tetreault says

    April 19, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    I’ve got lots of corners to use! I might just try it! Thanks! (I love hearing “Old School” Parenting– it gives us a break!)

    Reply
  3. Ellie May says

    April 19, 2012 at 10:53 pm

    Super cute. This brought a smile to my face. Thanks CG

    Reply
  4. Missy says

    April 19, 2012 at 11:02 pm

    What a great idea your dad had. I’m going to use it with my munchkins and hope it works as well for me as it did in your home! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. BHMom says

    April 20, 2012 at 12:52 am

    Now you tell me! I could’ve saved myself a headache with all the craziness of having boys who fought like cats and dogs for years.

    Reply
  6. One tired mama says

    April 20, 2012 at 3:51 am

    Love it! I will try it. Sounds like a great memory 🙂

    Reply
  7. Carpool Goddess says

    April 20, 2012 at 3:16 pm

    Thanks for the comments! Hope the ‘Corners’ work for you too 🙂

    Reply
  8. Christina Simon says

    April 20, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    Sweet post of childhood memories and now your experiences with your own kids. Sometimes time-outs are the only answer for me…a cooling off of sorts.

    Reply
  9. Hayley says

    April 21, 2012 at 2:30 am

    I love your dad’s method. What a great parent!

    Reply
  10. Sarah says

    April 21, 2012 at 2:36 am

    Love your dad’s simple solution!

    Reply
  11. Kristi says

    April 21, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    I might try corners instead of the usual time out next time things go nuts around here.

    Reply
  12. C @ Kid Things says

    April 22, 2012 at 4:45 pm

    Your dad sounds like a very smart man.

    Reply
  13. Carpool Goddess says

    April 30, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    Thank you, he was a great dad 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Linda Wolff

Stay Connected

Get Me in Your Inbox!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Places You Will Find Me

featured writing

I’m In These Books

Looking For Something?

Top Posts

  • 10 Things That Smell Good
    10 Things That Smell Good
  • April Fool's Day: Is there such a thing as going too far? I think not. (Just kidding!)
    April Fool's Day: Is there such a thing as going too far? I think not. (Just kidding!)
  • Tell Me About Yourself: Take My Fun Survey
    Tell Me About Yourself: Take My Fun Survey
  • 21 Things I Learned From My Dad
    21 Things I Learned From My Dad
  • 12 Songs to Help Get You Bathing Suit Ready (Or Close Enough)
    12 Songs to Help Get You Bathing Suit Ready (Or Close Enough)
  • The Real Reason I Don't Want To See Photos Of Your Kids On Facebook
    The Real Reason I Don't Want To See Photos Of Your Kids On Facebook

Categories

Follow Me Everywhere

Get Me in Your Inbox!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Popular Posts

  • 10 Things That Smell Good
  • April Fool's Day: Is there such a thing as going too far? I think not. (Just kidding!)
  • Tell Me About Yourself: Take My Fun Survey
  • 21 Things I Learned From My Dad
  • 12 Songs to Help Get You Bathing Suit Ready (Or Close Enough)
  • The Real Reason I Don't Want To See Photos Of Your Kids On Facebook

Copyright © 2023 Carpool Goddess. All rights reserved.