It's good to have goals!

Sometime near the end of last year my nursery class split. Because I was older, I went with the big kids...into a much smaller room.
I just figured it was up to me to find different ways to entertain myself being that there were fewer toys.
In hindsight I should have first discussed it with mom, because she seemed a bit surprised when she eagerly opened the door to congratulate me on my first day, only to find me and another boy dogpiled on top of my friend.

And I suppose it didn't help that when she hurriedly pulled me off and told me it was inappropriate, my teacher said, "yeah, we've had a bit of a problem with that today!"

At home mom cut me a little slack because it was my first day, but we had a chat and made a goal to be a little more polite in the future. In the end, I did think it sounded fair for me to act a little more lady like. BUT, I also thought it sounded fair for me to get a fish if I did!

We agreed on the terms and mom even made a crude little chart to help me visualize my goal and keep my eye on the prize!

I'm happy to report that I stuck with it and accomplished my goal!

Friends, meet Ariel...my new fish! She's pretty perfect and even great with Aubri

And from this experience I have learned 3 things:

* Although fun for the giver, a powerslam (especially in a dress) is not the most refined behavior and may not be as rewarding for the receiver.

* Goals help you anticipate something new, learn lessons along the way, and make you feel good in the end!

* Goals seem to help me manipulate mom into getting what I want!

Hmmm... with a new year, let's see what I can get this time...