Tattle tales

Ok Let's put this one on the table and see how to think.

Tattle-tale in Websters " to talk idly, chatter, gossip, to reveal someone's secrets, to inform against someone."

It can be good and it can be bad.

When good the "tattler" is letting you know something is going on that you need to know.
When bad the "tattler" is letting you know everything and even more.

But then again is the good tattler a tattler? or is that just an oxymoron? Sometimes it's just a good kid watching out and letting you know when something is going awry.

If you are having a problem with a tattler....I think, as we have talked so many other times, it comes down to communication and teaching.

When Jared, from next door, is visiting and over and over again comes to tell you that your son is out of line....

When your oldest son runs in the door first from school to share the juicy tidbit about his sibling...

When "miss goodie two shoes" is trying to get all the brownie points she can...

It's time for a lesson.

Too often we wait till the point of no return and then we blow...send kids home...to bed... punish.

WAIT

Sit them all down and talk it out. Tell them the problem and the consequences for it.

"Jared and Tommy come here. Ok this needs to stop. Tommy if you are doing things that you are not supposed to it needs to stop right now. Jared any more tatteling and I am going to send you home. Do you both understand?" Keep an eye on them and before they are allowed together again to play remind them of the rules.

"Whoa Steven,why are you telling me about Sammy? Stop right now. This is not your business to tell. Sammy, so tell me what went on at school today." Now if Steven is quite a bit older than his brother you may want to speak to him later about the situation as he may be privy to more information. But be sure to explain that you do not need him to tattle but to keep his ears open as an older brother.

"Katie, I appreciate you reporting to me that Janis is using too much of the finger paints. I am watching over everything and I will take care of it all. I know that the boys left their seats..you just go and finish your project." Just keep pulling her back to her job and if need be have a quiet one on one about the whole issue so that you know she really understands what you are talking about.

Again repeat after me. I am the adult. I am the adult. Take it into hand and teach these life lessons.
Blessings!
Marnie