Scary Bear

Once in a life time an opportunity to create an enormously successful child deterrent presents itself. I realize that this could fall into the "questionable parenting techniques" category, but when it falls into your lap as if a gift from God, a parent needs to exploit this child's weakness to the best of their ability. I believe this whole heartedly. In fact, I feel like this is one of our most inspired actions as parents.

Thus begins the ongoing saga of Scary Bear. 

When Phoenix was 2, Uncle Greg gave her a singing and moving bear for Christmas. When the bear was turned on it moved side to side while singing "Don't worry, be happy". It's a pretty cute bear and was a thoughtful gift.

 

For whatever reason, Phoenix was TERRIFIED of the bear. She would wave her hands in front of the bear, back up and start crying. 

Some parents would just get rid of a toy that scares their child. Therein lies the mistake. 

We realized that Scary Bear would make the perfect deterrent to keep Phoenix out of places in the house that we didn't want her going. 

When Phoenix started playing in the dryer Scary Bear would make an appearance in the drum of the dryer. 

Then Scary Bear started hiding in the pantry where Phoenix liked to go and dump the baking ingredients. 

By using Scary Bear and moving him to places in the house where children don't belong, we have trained Phoenix to only be in areas we approve of. It's AWESOME. 

Scary Bear is so effective, that we don't even have to pull him out any more. The mere mention of him is enough to stop Phoenix in her tracks. 

Our latest challenge is that Phoenix has been getting up at ungodly hours of the morning and going into her sisters room to wake them up (2 hours before their normal waking time). It makes for a very long day for everyone.
 

Tonight Scary Bear is making an appearance. He is sitting outside Phoenix's door, to see if this is deterent enough to keep her in her room in the morning. 

Scary Bear, don't fail us now!

 

Update: It totally worked. Phoenix woke once, callled for me and stayed in her bedroom for the rest of the night. Another parental win.