My House, My Thoughts
"Can Sneaking EVER be a good thing?"
By: Vickie Fetsko - May 2001 ©
Absolutely! I surprised you with that answer didn’t I? Let me explain how my family decided to look at the positive side of sneaking.After school one day my 7 year old, Andy and 6 year old, Jon wanted a snack. It had been one of those days where I was constantly running behind. I told them to wait until I could get them something. Well of course I forgot and an hour later when I remembered I went to get some cookies and milk. I found the cookies open and several missing. Even though Jason (our child with Prader-Willi Syndrome) was only 2 ½, I seem to be very aware of what food is opened and how much is left. I hit the roof stating "Who was sneaking food?!" I went on to state "sneaking is unacceptable in this house, especially sneaking food!" "I don’t want you teaching Jason that sneaking is acceptable – it’s not – ever! My son, Andy came to me and said "I did it, but Mom you took so long I thought I’d help and get it myself".
I asked myself, "Do you think you over-reacted just a bit?" I sarcastically answered with "You need to chill and up the ‘ole Zoloft!"
After apologizing to my son for my behavior, I explained (not excused) my behavior to him and why I was upset with the idea of sneaking. At this point I remembered a Rite Aid leaflet that stated "Can Sneaking Ever Be a Good Thing?" There is a positive side to this word. Sneak a kiss. Sneak a hug. Sneak a sit-up here and there. Ask your child to see how many stretches they can sneak in before you "catch" them around the corner. This could be a very fun game for those that hate to exercise. Sneak a sticker or note in their lunch box telling them you’re proud or to have a good day. Have your child draw a picture or write a note and help them sneak it into mom or dad’s car to find the next day. Sneak them a Thank You card in your child’s room to thank them for cleaning or behaving well or losing (even if just trying to lose but haven’t yet) weight. Do this with all your children, with your spouse, with your relatives and friends. Be creative and remember to be developmentally appropriate with your ideas. Make it simple.
Have fun and figure out, "What can you sneak at your house?"