Darned if I Know. . . Socks Outside

Dear WitterPitted,

     How do I get my children to stop going outside in their socks?

-Lesley G.

Dear Lesley,

      You say, "I'll read you a story every night if don't go outside in your socks anymore!" and then I think they will stop going outside in their socks anymore.  Um, and, I wanted to say, uh, that, and if they don't promise you they won't go outside in their socks anymore then you'll just punish them. The End.

-Emmeline (4)

Dear Lesley,

     Tell them not to because you've never told them, and they'd obey, and you should tell them WHY!

-Audrey (7)

Dear Lesley,

     Tell them that if they keep on doing it, they'll have to wash their socks themselves, without using the washing machine or the drying machine- hand wash them! That's all.

-Clara (9)

Dear Lesley,
 From unfortunate experience I have learned that you can't unless you stop washing their socks.
-Amy (11)

Dear Lesley,
The only way to do it is to put large amounts of gravel all over your yard. A couple days, and trips to the doctor later, your problems will be solved.
-Reuben (15)

Dear Lesley,
Hmm, this is really a tough question.  I haven't figured it out yet.  When I read the question to Emmeline, she said,"Is this because I kept going out in one sock to cover my wart?"  Luckily, the days of the one sock are over due to the wart being cured. However, the pressing question remains,"How DO I get my kids to stop going outside in their socks?"  I have a few ideas that might work, or might just bring a little levity( for you anyway) to the situation:

1. Secretly take away all of the socks that do not have holes. When the children eventually complain about having nothing but holey socks, explain that you are tired of buying new socks because they keep ruining their socks by wearing them outside.  Offer to give them back their socks for one more chance at behaving properly. As soon as someone breaks the rule and is caught "socked" but not "shoed" take away all the good socks( just for that child) again for an extended period of time. REPEAT.

2. Decide how frequently you feel it is appropriate to purchase new socks.  Personally, I think about twice a year for active children should be adequate.  Tell your kids your plan and then stick to it. Explain to them that they won't be getting new socks for six months, at least not at your expense, and remind them that wearing socks outside leads to holes.  Then, let them suffer the consequences.  Don't say anything. Don't do anything.  Let them wear holey socks.

3. If nothing but a drawer full of holey socks is not a deterrent to your children, your tactics might need to intensified.  Every time you see a child outside in socks, immediately confiscate the offending articles ( the socks). You must do this every time.  Then allow your children to purchase back the socks. You might charge 50 cents or even $1.00 per pair.  If your child is penniless, offer up a chore that you feel is equal to the cost of the fine, something that you really don't want to do.

Good luck with your sock battles. We'd love to know how it goes!

-Becky (36)

Dear Lesley,

Every time a child goes out in their socks, take the sock away and make a sock puppet out of it, complete with googly eyes, etc.... Eventually, the child will stop going outside with only socks on, because all of the socks the child owns will be puppets.

Or, take all of the child's socks away. Eventually, they will get tired of never having socks, and will either change the habit, or start stealing socks, which could end-up in Juvenile delinquency.

Whatever you decide to do, never buy a child new socks who refuses to take them off before ruining them. If they persist, they will wear socks with holes. If they do not mind wearing socks with holes, then cut holes in their shorts/pants and shirts too, so that their entire outfit matches.

-Judson( 39)