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My husband’s weekly car wash routine often turns into a shouting session.
So what does my hubby’s temper have to do with my kids’ behavior? Just this: All or some of the interior storage spaces like bags at seat backs, dashboard, ash trays and cup holders often have toffee wrappings or juice cartons discarded by the kids.
I have taught my kids not to throw the wrappers, juice cartons or empty packets out of the car window. A good habit, no doubt, that took some time getting drilled into their psyche.
Especially considering that we Indians take pride in throwing our waste exactly at the non-designated places. And my husband appreciates that (my effort, I mean, not the Indian habit!!), to be sure.
However, like everything else, there is a flip side to it. The kids leave the same wrappers, cartons and packets inside the car. With the intention of carrying it with them when they get down but simply forget to do so. And that is what is irks my husband no end – seeing a full week’s litter inside the car. Can’t really blame him.
So what is the solution? The easiest one is tossing it out of the window. But I can’t let that happen. I have been laughed at for carrying empty juice cartons back home because I did not find any trash bin on the way.
And now I have to teach my two little angels the same thing. And brace myself for my hubby’s anger in the interim!!
I realize that as a parent it is my duty to teach good habits to my kids so that they become responsible citizens when they grow up.
But to make it easier for them, I try to teach just one thing at a time. So first I taught them not to throw garbage on the road, in the park or any other public area. And now I need to make them understand that even personal areas like cars need to be kept free of litter. The idea is not to overwhelm them with too much stuff simultaneously.
It’s not that I did not try to teach both things simultaneously. But I often found my daughter throwing the odd wrapper out of the window. Discreetly. When she thought I was not watching.
And that’s when I decided to limit my instruction to one idea at a time. I found the idea of keeping public spaces clean more important for the simple reason that if she litters her room, I can clean it but I can’t do much about the wrapper thrown from a moving car.
So I have started reminding her to collect everything from the car when she gets down. That is, when I myself remember to do that!! Can’t really blame the kid for everything every time.
And two, they are now helping their dad clean the car. Seeing the mess inside the car has already made my elder daughter cringe a few times. I am just keeping my fingers crossed.
I will definitely let you know when I succeed in my endeavour. Meanwhile, why don’t you let me know – in the comments below – about the good habits you are trying to inculcate in your kids. And what are the challenges you are facing.
