OT: My kids

My kids are driving me mad!!!  I don't know what to do anymore...they DO NOT listen to me.  My husband works in Kennebunkport so he stays down there 3 nights a week.  Those 3 nights and 1/2 of Saturday are pure hell for me.  The kids just do not listen!!  I try to be patient and calm.  I often lose my temper - I DO NOT SPANK THOUGH I just don't think that works.  So, I end up yelling at them putting them in time-out.  My son has taken to laughing at me.  He's 4!  What do I do??  My daughter will be 3 in August and she's quickly turning into a tantrum nightmare.  I'm going NUTS!!!!  Can anyone help?

Oh Stephanie!  I so feel for you!  I definitely know what you are going through! (Mine don't listen to me either, but since they are older, taking priveleges away helps!)  Have you tried a reward chart with them....they get a star or whatever for good behavior and once they reach a certain level, they get a special something?  I also take away stars when they don't listen.  Not sure if it would help, but it's worked with my youngest (10years) when he starts acting up at school.  I wish you luck!  Keep us posted!  Ruth

Stephanie, I have to say the one thing I learned was from my DH.  when He said NO, he ment no, there was NO GIVING IN.... I would give in, just cause I was tired and it was easier. but believe me, he never layed a hand on them, but they knew better, he would listen to them cry for hours, and tell me to sit down.... they survived and never pushed his buttons again.  Even today, we all talk about it and laugh.  They say they respected him for it.  so don't think they won't like you, just take the time and don't give in.  They know you will, and they know how to get what they want.  Good luck.

Oh wow Stephy.  I sure do wish I lived closer so I could help you out. My children have always behaved well.  But then I was a single mommy so they only had one parent with rules to follow.  My son always looked after his younger (6 years) sister and they both helped around the house (they cleaned the house more than I did).  While in grade school they learned how to clean house (they way mommy likes it cleaned), do laundry, and even help out in the kitchen.  Of course yours are much younger.  Just as soon as they could walk I taught my children to put their toys away when finished.  Before they sat down to the dinner table, went outside, or to bed they knew to put their toys away first.  My sons daughter just turned 5 a week ago and she is the same.  We took her out for a birthday dinner and twice during dinner there was happy birthday singing, cake, ice cream, and candles for other birthday people.  Each time she was obviously disapointed and pouted but didn't say a word.  When it was finally her turn she was soooo happy.  She blew out her candle and before diving in she offered her birthday desert to each of us individually.  -- Can you tell I'm a proud memaw? Enough of my kids...on to yours.  It's important to earn their respect when they are young.  Make sure your son knows that laughing at you is not acceptable.  Make some guidelines with your husband and make sure they are followed whether he is home or not.  And most of all Stephy, look to the Lord for guidence. Relax and love your children

Steph look up Chick Moorman ( this isn't churchy... its his last name) We use these stratigies in behavior rooms, and in regular rooms. THink about it this way if you want a behavior you have to teach the behavoir, and you need to choose to speak the language which leads to the belief that in turn leads to displaying the behavior.  Would you let one of the horses run all over you, if you didn't give them a pepermint? :0)      Use the words PICK, CHOOSE, and DECIDE... then make them a self-responsible human being...after all you don't want a 30 yr old drinking beer and playing video games on your couch do you?:)