I'm thinking this could be that they are entering the pre-teen/teen yrs. I'm even getting it from J, who is so often my more compliant child! Spine surgery or no spine surgery, no back talk is going to be allowed.
Is it just the change in weather, or is anyone else getting the bad attitudes from their kids???
I've decided to put mine to some extra work/chores. The more they mouth me, the more chores they are getting added on to their lists! (Although I do kinda feel like Ms. Hannigan in Annie Lol! Only not quite as mean.)
I've got Josh sweeping, vacuuming, mopping...scrubbing toilets. A little man-u-al labor does the attitude some good! J can't bend, so she was wiping the sinks, cleaning the mirrors as far as she can reach. (I sound like a slave driver don't I? Don't worry...she was standing in one place, and not overdoing...but she did have to take her punishment just like Bubb did!)
It has worked too! They are both being kinder to each other, working together (Josh was even doing some of her work to help her) and very respectful of me. I didn't just put them to work, but we had some heart to heart talks prior. Not "preachy", but just reminders of God's principles for living...things I too need reminding of as well...
On being kind...choosing to cooperate rather than tear each other down (or YELL each other down!). It sure makes a huge difference in the harmony of our home.
It is amazing how small negative attitudes and comments can rub of on each other, and soon escalate to HUGE yelling matches. This is just something I will not tolerate. It unnerves me to hear a lot of yelling and bickering. I like peace and quiet.
A little work, goes a long way! :) A lot of work, goes a longer way...
6 comments:
That's a great idea Jenn! It sounds like you're doing an awesome job with your kids...I hope I'll be as great as a mom as you are when my kids reach that stage! :)
You are too kind...
...some days I feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants!
I consult with the Big Daddy upstairs continually! ;)
It's not just your kids. Mine are only 3 & 1, but they've both been giving me attitude lately. My daughter (3) in the form of sassing and throwing fits and disobeying, my son (1) in the form of screaming and throwing fits when he doesn't get just what he wants just when he wants it! Boy, talk about testing the patience!! So what you're telling me is my kids aren't going to outgrow this by the time they're teens?? ;)
Oh no...guess then I'm sorry to report...each stage has its challenges! :)
We can make it! I keep telling myself that one day I will miss these days...lol!
Sounds good to ME!!! LOL
It works at the little stage too, like when they make a mess they have to clean it!! And Anna has had to scrub some of my kitchen floor (for 4 minutes) when she stepped out of line... she really hates vaccuuming so I'll have to keep that one in mind for later...
I have LOVED having the Duggar Family Guidelines posted in my house. It reminds ALL of us how we need to treat eachother!
Awww Kelly, that made me laugh.
I'm not sure what the Dugger Family Guidelines are...I'm off to look that up!
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