THAT'S IT!!

This week has tested my patience. I'm not sure if it's because it seems like they are on an anti-listening rampage, or because It feel's like I do everything. The truth of the matter is, it could be both. I don't like repeating myself, I never have. I also don't like being being told someone will do something, and having that person not follow through. With Tyler turning 11, I'm backing off nagging him about things. I'll remind him a few times throughout the day, but that's it. As he get's older he needs to learn to self motivate. If I'm always up his butt about doing things and pushing him to do them, he'll never learn to do them on his own. He'll always require someone telling him what to do. Tonight we sat down and talked about this. Now, for anyone that knows Tyler he's always had a bit of a giggling problem. This can be frustrating when you are trying to be serious with him. We discussed three things both kids need to work on. I'm tired of having to yell, and they are tired of me yelling. Now, let me explain what happens. I calmly ask them to do something (more then once mind you) then I bring out the loud voice. I don't like to, but it seems to work. Sometimes even then it takes natural consequences kicking in for them to realize that I'm not being unreasonable in asking them to stop. Oh, have I mention I hate these ages? Well I do. To give you an example, all three kids were sitting on Kaylee's puzzle mat in the kitchen. Julie and Tyler were putting blocks in their mouths and spitting them back and forth at each other, making the baby laugh. Well after a few minutes, I asked them to stop. They didn't of course. Then I asked them again to stop, because someone was going to get hurt. They again, ignored my warning. Before I got a chance to raise my voice Julie did it again, and hit Kaylee square in the face with the block. She was made to sit on the step, for not listening. We talked about it, she apologized to Kaylee and was let up. So tonight we talked about the things that needed to change around here.

We decided,
     1. They need to listen the first time.
     2. If they say they are going to do something, they need to do it.
     3. They need to do one thing around the house to help out each day.

These things seem simple, but we'll see how it goes. We will be following up in a week to see how they did the previous week. I will teach them self discipline, self motivation, and follow through. This is a daunting task that I swear I'll accomplish even if it turns every last hair on my head grey.

We also talked about the things they are missing. Reasons why they are acting the way they are ect, ect. I would post all that, but I will not publicly post their thoughts and feelings, because their feelingst are not mine to post.

Will update to let you all know how it goes.