The struggle is real with my 8-year-old.
My little guy has so much spunk in his little personality and desires to be in charge and rule the world someday. That attitude can be sweet and caring and then woah, there is salt and vinegar.
So when we start to get on that struggle bus, I get his attention and ask him a very important question.
“Shine or whine? It is your choice, but you’ve got to decide.”
The first time I posed the question, I had to give my little firecracker an explanation. Shine and be your best, or whine and put Mom to the test. If your choice is to whine, then you will be disciplined. If your choice is to shine, then you change your attitude.
“You’ve got to decide, shine or whine? Now.”
This little phrase has turned many a dark moment into the light and put into perspective how you come across to others when in the midst of complaining.
I think putting this decision in his court gives him a sense of how his actions and decisions affect the outcome of situations.
Recently when I was on that same struggle bus, my little firecracker looked at me and said, “Shine or whine, Mom? You’ve got to decide.”
I guess he is listening and learning.
