As I see so many parallels between my professional background and parenting techniques, I’ve decided to write a series of posts on All I Really Need to Know about Parenting I Learned in Marketing.
Part 1: Rebranding
It’s something that companies turn to when the current brand has grown a little stale, as a way to reposition it for future growth and success.
Little did I know as a marketing student and professional how useful rebranding would be as a parent. A parental rebranding is an amazing way to help motivate your children’s behavior with a positive and fun approach to everyday tasks. Words like special, magic, bonus, play, and adventure should be used LIBERALLY in any parental rebranding.
Just take a look at some of my favorite parental rebranding examples:
1. Dessert becomes Lunchtime / Dinnertime Bonus and even has it’s own theme song:
Lunchtime bonus, Lunchtime bonus, Lunchtime bonus, if you eat well (clap, clap).
2. Get over here and clean up now becomes, “I need a special helper.” or “Will you be on my clean-up team? We then sing the Wonder Pets Teamwork song together. My daughter even asked me to be on her clean-up team this week. Score 1 Mom / CEO!
3. Trip to the store or a walk becomes a Secret Adventure. Dress-up costumes, sunglasses, magnifying glasses, flashlights, and backpacks are excellent accessories for secret adventures.
4. Reminder to use manners becomes use the magic words. I’m sure you’ve heard and used this one before!
5. Broccoli becomes Green Trees. Who doesn’t want to pretend they are a giant chomping on green trees?
What things have you rebranded for your family? I’d love to hear your own creative ideas!
go mama o. 
I used to change the name of a recipe based on what my kids liked. The same stew became Ninja Stew and Cowboy Stew because it’s what ninjas/cowboys/robots/pokemon eat. Had a similar post on my blog: http://oliverallover.com/2013/03/02/trouble-engaging-online-pretend-you-are-talking-to-a-teenager/. My kids must be older!
Thanks for checking out my blog! Great tips on your blog post about social media & talking to teenagers – it’s so true!
Love it! I transform my girls into detectives on a regular basis to solve household “mysteries.”. Where are your shoes turns into The Case of the Shoes that Walked on their Own… What is that smell? The Case of the Nose Knows (and hopefully it doesn”t lead to something too gross!)
Cute! That reminds me of Busytown Mysteries. We’ll have to try that in our house too!
This is so true. I’ve never thought it that way, but connecting with our kids on so many things is about the positioning. Can’t wait to read the rest in your series of observations.
Yes, it IS positioning! I know it’s not “rebranding” as in the classic Coke / New Coke sense, but it sounded catchier than re-positioning! Thanks for reading!
haha!! This is great Cathy!!! So true!!