Essays

One of our favorite new punishments for Elliot (thank you Dr. Ray) is to have Elliot write essays. It's a great punishment because it provides time for reflection on the part of the child. It's also great for parents because we get proof that our kids really know how to behave even though sometimes they choose otherwise. Most importantly, it makes for good reading! I'll share some favorites.

On Our Family's Roles and Responsibilities (150 Words)
Mom's role is to go to the grocery, make us all breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is very important that mom does this because or else we would not have any food to eat for life.

Dad's role is to go to work to get most of the money we need to pay bills, pay for groceries, and for anything else we might need in life.

Mom and Dad are both in charge of the house. They tell Avery and I what to do. They are adults and we're just kids. They are our parents, we follow their rules and they tell us what to do. Avery and I have to follow their rules because if Avery or I disobey what they have told us to do we will get in big trouble, and still have to do it.

Avery and mine are to follow any directions they give me or Avery in the whole time we live.

On How To Treat Mom (100 words)
Dear Mom, I am sorry about my behavior and my words. I have not been nice to you lately or done the right thing.

I have had bad mornings lately and bad afternoons. It is a bad idea to treat you like that because you are my mom. You tell me what to do, and I love you a lot. It is also a bad idea because you are the boss, and I should listen and do the right thing and treat you like I want to be treated. I love you and you are the best mom ever.

Next time I should tell you what I want and we could settle it during breakfast.

On How To Respond When Mom or Dad Give a Direction (150 Words)
When Mom and Dad call me I should say I am coming then should come as soon as I start talking. (I should ask what Mom or Dad want.) When I find out what they want I say, "Yes, sir or yes, mam." When they say what they want from me I should do what they say immediately. After I do what they ask I should ask if there is anything else I could do to help. If they say there is, I should say, "like what?" If they say there is not any work to do I should say, "ok" and not bother them again. My behavior on Sun was really bad! When Mom called and said, "we have to go because Avery is fussy." I said, "No!" I should of said, "Yes, Mam," then came I would not be grounded.