My kids were driving me batty!

[Cleveland Mom]

I have a 4.75 y/o son and a 2.5 y/o dtr.  My son has a language delay and attends an Early Intervention preschool.  Their behavior was wacky.  I mean whinning, moaning groaning, teasing each other refusing to follow directions.  

A couple of weeks ago, I just got so fed up with it all that I decided things had to change and I had to be the person to initiate the change (I'm a SAHM).  So I layed down some simple rules:  1.  No whining and "making noises"  2.  No touching each other 3.  Do what Mommie and Daddy say or go to time out.  I started giving them one warning then straight to time out.

I stuck to it and have they ever changed.  My home is a more pleasant place.  They are sitting down to eat dinner when I ask they are picking up their toys and following my instructions wonderfully after 2 weeks.  A librarian said my son was "a model child" today after she heard him say:  " Ok Mommie we have to clean up all the toys before we can go."  He said this without any prompting from me!  He is even acting more maturely, which is a big deal for him.

They are both more affectionate with me and its simple to see that kids need to know that Mommie and Daddy are in charge, its the natural order of things.  At first, I felt like I was on their case too much but I'm not their buddy I'm the Mommie.
Hope this helps any of you struggling mommies and daddys out there!  Best Wishes...

[anxiousmomtobe?]

You are a smart mummy, you clued in that consistency and discipline are a gift we give our kids.

[tmv]

Very good. Kids love the security of knowing what is expected of them. It does help out with what can become caos.  Just remember to be consistant with it at all times because once you put down your arms, it's harder to get back in the swing of things! tmv