Countdowns are big in our household. We have the infamous yelling while slowly counting down. Which is a personal favorite because it evokes fear and a timeframe.
There is the holding my hand up with all five fingers extended and then counting down quietly, this is mostly used in public and getting down to a closed fist is not an option.
There is the walk by countdown in which I start counting as I just walk by a room where I believe arguing is partaking.
You can also have the 2 count, count in which you really only have to start with 1 and the child knows getting to 3 means loss of...well anything in close proximity to Mom
Counting has become our recourse because honestly it's "inappropriate" to spank and time outs are not feasible for a 10 year old, even with a dunce hat on.
I find that counting to five has actually become a strange habit for me. When I am in public I am constantly counting my children, which is five. I don't even know when I am doing it. It's almost like a strange turrets tick or Rain man scenario. 1,2,3,4,5 repeat 1,2,3,4,5 yeah yeah five, alright five. You'll see me at the pool counting to five repeatedly and then raising my hand in the air and counting backwards from five. It's no wonder people stare. Throw in a sixth child and I'm at a complete loss.
Counting has even become a working strategy for me outside of my children. Scenario A. Person cuts me off on the road, count to five instead of chasing them home and driving by repeatedly to evoke fear (as if small woman in minivans evoke fear). Scenario B. Husband comes home and naps on the couch because he's "had a hard day at work"...count to five instead of "accidentally" spilling ice cold water on him.
There are many upsides to this ability to count.
In the end something I learned in Preschool has really managed to help me in my day to day life. If only the other things I learned in pre-k would apply so well. Everyone could use a little more nap times, sharing and freeze dancing in my opinion at least...1,2,3,4,5 end
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