Family Tip: 7 The Shouting Can

T and I strive to be contemporary and progressive in are parenting. The result is we have very raised unique individuals. They have a sense of humor. They feel free to share their point-of-view. In turn, we try to be honest with them. As much as we can, we explain the way things are. They are creative and expressive. Perhaps too expressive. With a flair for the dramatic, which I am afraid they have inherited from their mother. All this is good for the most part, but sometimes, it's not. Sometimes, when such children don't get their way, they go into histrionics - rabble-rousing rage at the top of their voices. And what's particularly discomfitting for parents who believe themselves contemporary and progressive - is hearing echoes of themselves in these temper tantrums.

So this evening, we came up with The Shouting Can. Essentially, we're talking about a receptacle for penalty tithes. Children who are caught shouting in anger or in an uncontrollable rage will (after they have calmed down sufficiently) be asked to give up 20 cents of their own pocket money. Adults will be tithed a dollar.

Yes, I will own: The Shouting Can - is as much for the mother as it is for the children.