Parenting,  Thoughts

Positive Incentives

There are both pros and cons to be being a stay-at-home parent vs. a working one. It occurred to me the other day, though, that there are emotional incentives that you just don’t receive at home. My kids, however precious and loving, will never offer the same positive encouragement that you can receive in the professional workplace.

Does this make me yearn to throw on some pumps and lipstick and hit the ground running? No. But it does make me appreciate the value in working with other adults who can offer something that children just can’t– encouragement of a job well done.

What You Hear at Work What You Hear at Home
You’ve done well. You deserve a raise. You’ve cut my toast the wrong direction. You should do it again.
Great job on that project! Great job painting my room pink but today my favorite color is blue.
Here is a paycheck to compensate you for your hard work. Here’s all my dirty clothes. Here’s all my dirty dishes. I want frozen yogurt.
I like what you’ve done with that. I pooped on that.
We’ve decided to give you your own office. I’ve decided I don’t take naps. Ever.
Thank you. More.
I’m treating you to a drink. I spilled my drink on the floor. And on the table. And then I ripped up toilet paper and put it on top. Then I stepped in it. And walked all over the house.
Take a lunch. I don’t like lunch.

But I haven’t told you what I’m making.

I don’t like it.

This is why I’m doing it like this… I DON’T KNOW WHY.
What do you think? I think I flushed your phone down the toilet.
There is real potential here. There is a real peanut in my nose.
You are a lifesaver. I want a Lifesaver.
I don’t know what I would do without you.  I don’t know what I would do without my mermaid.
You hit a home run. I hit and got sent home.
Take an early day. I woke up extra early today.
Here is your bonus! Here is your jewelry. I’ve lost all of the matching pieces and I swallowed the one that you said was your favorite.
I appreciate your effort in cleaning up that mess. I pooped in my undies. It’s a real mess.

 

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