MamaKat's Writer's Workshop came at quite the opportune time this week. One of her prompts was for the most unusual punishment you have ever done with your kids. Well, that is right up my alley. This Mama is all about unusual punishments and I happen to be applying one of them right at this moment.

My 20 year old son has decided to go on a laundry strike. About two weeks ago, I told him in no uncertain terms that he needed to deal with his overflowing laundry basket. Since he just finished school and is supposed to be looking for a job as a Medical Assistant, he pretty much has all day to himself. So, it really could have been done in just a day or so. Yet, the laundry wasn't getting done, day after day.

So, first we moved to DefCon 1: I confiscated his Ipod (one of his most precious possessions and constant companion). I thought that would do it, but after a few more days, he'd only done 1 load of laundry.

OK, buddy boy, time for DefCon 2: His Mac disappeared early on morning before he was up. Usually, he's not this stubborn, but I think he's gotten into thinking that he's an adult now, so he doesn't have to do anything he doesn't really want to. Yeah son, so how's that workin' out for ya?

I was just about to escalate to DefCon 3: The cell phone (Although I wasn't sure how I was going to get my mitts on it - he literally sleeps with the damn thing).

But then I got a fabulous idea - a really Grinchy, awful idea. We have a standard policy about beds. If you don't make your bed, your brother is allowed to sneak into your room and make it for you, then charge you a dollar in labor fees.

I would let his brother do his laundry for the premium price of $5 a load - deducted directly from his checking account, so he can't do a thing about it. Turns out Blake was out shopping for camping stuff tonight, so what the heck, Mom could use a few extra bucks.

So as I'm sitting here writing this post, I'm earning a cool $15 bucks AND getting what I wanted - an empty laundry hamper. Sounds like a win-win to me!

I love my boys to death, but you do not mess with the Mama Dog around here!








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