We've reached bottom, folks - we're reduced to bribing our youngest to behave, right down to the handmade chart and the star stickers and the promise of ice cream if Susie can just manage to rack up 7 "star days" in a row. We've even co-opted Brian and Rachel by promising
them ice cream, too, if they just remind Susie that she
wants those stars. Because, people? I've become too old and decrepit to drag
a screaming, punching 5-year-old up the stairs and into her bedroom.
I know it will come as a shock to you (well, at least it does to
me), but I am no longer the fit young mom who lassoed 6 kids and whipped them into shape daily for more than 18 years. What remains instead is a broken version of my former self, a mere empty shell of a woman worn down by the ineluctably erosive force of whines and complaints. And you know what? I'm at peace with that.
Now if only that star-chart method would work for teenagers....
[Stars image: SodaHead]
[Tired image: Prime Physique]
Hey if it works it works
ReplyDeleteDifferent kids, different methods. If it works, hey.
ReplyDeleteI admire you, it takes a lot of energy to remember to put those stars on that chart!
ReplyDeleteWhat works for my teenagers is 'lose of privileges' which basically means if they are rude or whatever they lose their access to FaceBook. I think it's the modern equivalent of 'grounding'.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I am glad to read that my 5 year old isn't the only one who screams and punches.
ReplyDeleteI seriously feel your pain!
ReplyDelete(hey, we haven't seen many rotten teenager stories lately, and you always tell them so well!)
We do what we have to do. Just be happy stars work for some of them...it won't last.
ReplyDeleteJust think, pretty soon you will be able to turn down the hearing aids and the whining and complaining won't work! :)
ReplyDeletePositive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishments, rewards, grounding, loss of privileges, bribery - I've tried it ALL!! The good news is somehow despite my experimental parenting, I've ended up with two awesome 18 year olds. Oh and teenagers? respond to "No Car Keys" (Or "no drivers' license"). my Son went from failing Spanish to an A in 3 short weeks. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteChins up - we all know you are an amazing mother!
Amen sistah!
ReplyDeleteGod, I wish charts like that worked around here. The only "currency" my daughter believes in is Mommy. And I can't really take ME away, can I? Or can I... :p
ReplyDeleteHoney, I'm sharing your pain. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteWish I'd known about your need for stars when I was cleaning out stickers recently!
ReplyDeleteI almost at the end of 4 and I am worn out--I can't imagine dealing with a 5-year old. I'd need her to tuck ME in!
ReplyDeleteStar charts sound like a good idea. But for teenagers...well, there's a reason why people used to ship them off to boarding school at puberty and welcome them home once they were completely finished.
ReplyDelete