If your parents are anything like mine, they spend far too much time working, and not enough time paying attention to their children. If that sounds familiar, I have a top tip for ensuring you get a full afternoon of decent engagement out of them. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.
Getting them to work less and play more
- Insist on being taken to a grown-up’s party the day before you hatch your plan. Bear with me here, there is very good reason for this. Endure the 2 hour journey with a minimum of whining.
- On arrival, politely thank your hosts for a plate of food and a glass of lemonade, then retire graciously to the playroom with 6 children you’ve never met before. Allow your parents to socialise. Whatever happens, no matter how long you’re at that party, in that playroom, with those children you don’t know, do not complain. Allow yourself a maximum of 3 visits to your parents to wonder when you might be going home. Be careful not to appear too bored.
- When the time comes to leave, say something about having had a lovely time, and smile sweetly at all the tipsy adults. Accept compliments and endure the endless process of saying goodbye without comment.
- Ask if it might be possible to stay up late for the final of your favourite talent show, and depending on their reaction, gauge whether or not you have leeway to ask for a chinese takeaway on the sofa. Never give in to tiredness.
- In the morning, let your parents have a lie-in while you create an event in their honour.
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They will have no choice but to go for it. They will pay for their tickets, follow the visual clues for the treasure hunt, winning Moshi Monster figures (which they will have to give back, because they belong to the Bug), and play with you on the trampoline. When they lose their tickets, they will respond favourably to the administration fee – “replacement tickets are Β£1.”
Knowing they owe you, they will enthusiastically engage in the activities on offer, including those of the ‘Jumping/Flying’ room:
There you have it. Next time your parents ignore you in favour of Twitter, spreadsheets or marketing plans, bide your time. Then hit them with this!
Now, if you have your own post to link this week, grab the badge code from the sidebar, and click the link below to enter your post β I canβt wait to see what you have! Itβs not obligatory, but if you include a link back here in your own post, Iβll return the favour with a tweet-out. If youβre new here you can check out theWot So Funee? main pageΒ for more info.
I so wish I’d had you around when I was younger GG, great way to get your folks to do something – behavioural blackmail! π
She’s leading her brother astray, that’s for sure π
hahaha! Fantastic!! Love the fairy wings & dancing in the video….lol
Suits him, doesn’t it? π
Good moves Actually Daddy!!! They are totally gorgeous and well behaved children… I think you got off quite lightly π
Ah, and thank you for providing them with the excuse!
Check the moves Actually Daddy! Eaaazy now! π
Yep. Erm no, I’ll pass thanks π
Excellent plan! I’m sure my toddler would love to hear it π He just told us at the top of his voice to STOP TALKING when we were discussing something boring like money. He’s 2!
Brilliant, what clever children you have!
Yeah they don’t miss a trick π
Pahahaha – I LOVE it. Especially the replacement ticket. Could you please ask your kids to knock me one of those up for all future blogging conferences? I’m sure they’ll accept those over me paying to attend right…? yeah. that’ll be fine :)) x
Of course – as long as you’re ashaimed of yourself π
Loving the fairy wings π The poster is just fantastic – and charging for tickets and replacements is just what my oldest would do!
Business mogul in the making – right there!
A brilliant plan!
Oh dear Actually Daddy π
love the fairy wings in that video. xxx
Always good to see Daddy dressed as a fairy π
Ha, I love this and like your daughter’s style. She’s a very bright young lady! xx
A very ‘late to the party’ link up – not joined in before but thought my latest post was appropriate π
Definitely, and I’ve been chatting to a friend this morning who has girls similar ages – minefield!
Hahaha….thank heavens you didn’t consume too many beverages at the party, or that flying/jumping room would have been proper hell! :oD
Aw! Love the video x