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9812003 tn?1452545539

Mommy ?

I have two children ages 8 and 6. I love them to pieces. They drive me bonkers at times. I try to keep them occupied (reading, painting, coloring, playing outside etc) but they always find a way in to trouble.
My brother and I drove my mother crazy picking on each other and drawing on walls, but we weren't as destructive as  my cousins.
My children are destructive. My son plays in my grandmother's fish tank with the net an killed one of her fish and my daughter poked the screen out of the window. Window blinds don't stand a chance. This all takes place in a matter of minutes. I get being curious but why my kids.
I'm praying that this baby will be my quiet obedient child. How do mommies with more than one child stay sane?
12 Responses
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Avatar universal
Reward them for good behavior, give them a snack they enjoy. A piece of candy, a star, and if they get a certain amount not stars they get to pick something from the treasure box., and punish them for negative behavior. ..time outs, put them in a corner, spank them. Make them sit in the punishment chair.
Helpful - 0
7649008 tn?1408319523
I hear you, I have a 7yr old and 14mo old and sometimes its overwhelming. For me its music, jazz, or something to help calm my nerves, im 35+6 today with boy #3 and I dont expect him to be much different,  kids test boundries no matter how much structure or discipline or reward they will always test and see what they can get awsy with lol.  My 7yr old has been experimenting with lying and is quite good at it which drives me nuts and my 14mo old has learned to say "No" ignores me and hits alot. So staying sane....  good luck just try to find your happy place, count to 10, I also find myself remembering doing similar stuff and hearing my mom say the same things to me. Lol.
Helpful - 0
10011789 tn?1409704061
I think you are doing great! I don't think sane and pregnant can be in the same sentence lol so keep up the good work!!
Helpful - 0
9812003 tn?1452545539
Thanks again. For the the advice. My monkeys are overall good kids they just drive me bonkers sometimes.  
Helpful - 0
9812003 tn?1452545539
Structure as in there are rules to follow and rewards such as stickers for their good days and if they get enough they get a trip to movie etc and consequences- loose favorite toy for a period of time. My question was not how to raise my children.  My son is a straIght a student and my daughter just began 1st grade. My question is how to stay sane when things get crazy.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sometimes children do tend to "show out" when they express their feelings. Maybe there a bit jealous of the baby, showing them tons of tender love and care (I am sure you do any way) is very much needed!! They may feel as if a new baby will take their own personal special place. Which of course isn't the case, so tell them, how special they are, how much you love them etc. Let them help with preparing for the baby. Make them feel needed and that they are your big helpers, it's helps build self-esteem and gives them a big boy responsibility!!! Sometimes in pregnancy things your children did before may not have bother you as much as they do, now that your pregnant. Hormones!!
Helpful - 0
10084709 tn?1407712389
I guess our definition of structure is different. I don't have to speak to a child more than twice for them to obey & they certainly won't disregard the rules even while pregnant. I grew up in a strict household so being stern just comes natural. I'm glad that you're not giving into that "they're just being kids mentality." Best wishes mommy
Helpful - 0
10011789 tn?1409704061
Aw I know it. Some kids are more willful and daring than others. I babysat a little girl who would sit and play quietly by herself for hours if I let her. My son however would climb everything and And at 1.5 yr was prying off my light socket covers with flat edges of his toys lol. I correct him and use time outs when needed but he's still very spirited as was I when I was little lol my goal is to keep him safe and try to direct his energy to fun things he can do. Coloring quietly isn't something we do right now because he's so full of energy. Lol its the spirited kids that they say tend to be leaders and go getters  though so there is something!! I just want to teach him good behavior but never stifle his bravery and spirit. It's a tough line to follow. I've read a lot about it.
Helpful - 0
9812003 tn?1452545539
Thank you mommies for your advice.
Helpful - 0
9812003 tn?1452545539
My children have plenty of structure, so that's definitely not it. No offense taken. They know wrong fron right it just seems since I've been pregnant they are testing the water more especially at grandma's house.  It drives me crazy that everyone is like they're just being kids it's okay.  But they are mine and I just don't get it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Lol, poor thing!! I know exactly what your going through!!! You gotta stay positive and very, very...I mean very stern!!! Do not give in!! Time out, reverse physiology, taking special toys, activities and play time away, taking (if your offer) sweet foods, snack, juice etc away also is helpful!! Limiting sugar intake all together!!! My children have their days but also know what's expected of them, I will not accept anything else or less then that!! I keep them busy with interesting activities. You have to stay very consistent with your method of discipline!! My oldest turned 7 in August (he's a big helper), a son who will be 6 in October, a 4 and half year old boy, a just turned 3 year old little girl, a 14 month old boy and I am 33 weeks and 6 days pregnant. I get overwhelmed but I also have "mommy time out"!! Lol!!
Helpful - 0
10084709 tn?1407712389
You have to incorporate structure from a very young age. It's not the child, it's the parenting mommy. I hope I don't sound rude because I'm not trying to be. Your children are doing what you allow. You have to put your foot down because they are definitely old enough to know right from wrong. I doubt your new baby will be different if you don't change the parenting with your older two because they'll be the example to the new baby.
Helpful - 0

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