The Squirt Bottle.
It's not just for cats anymore.
Need the kids to focus and clean up? Squirt 'em.
Need them to stop fighting with each other? Squirt 'em twice.
Is someone mouthing off? If it's bad, unload on 'em.
This has amazing results. My best friend and I have even equipped ourselves with squirt bottles while chaperoning her teenage daughter's parties. It's freaking brilliant.
It doesn't hurt. It's just water, and it's a super quick reminder of who's in charge. It's also silly and lighthearted, which makes it more fun. Well, for me at least. Sometimes it's the surprise alone that makes them stop what they're doing and pay attention.
We're not a spanking family. But don't think for one minute that means that my kids are not learning exactly who is in charge here. That would be me. The lady with the squirt bottle.
Of course, I hope I don't need a nursing home for a very very long time.
