Last week was not a good week for us.  I thought I’d give you an update so far this week!

Change

Has much changed?  Not really.  I was just thinking about this.  My kids’ behavior hasn’t changed all that much, however, my attitude and determination have.  This alone has made a big difference!  I did get away for a little while (an 18 hour trip).  While I did catch up (with help!  Thanks Aunt Vonny & Grandma) on coupons, I had no child responsibilities!

While I was away, I gave myself lots of time to think (6 hours in the car).  I had quite a bit of quiet time, I soaked up as much as I could, and then did some thinking.  I made a decision that I was going to try a lot harder to stay calm.  I was going to try a lot harder to use everything that I’ve learned when it comes to parenting and child development.

I told myself that if I was reaching my limit on patience, then I would put myself in time out.

I would tell my kids what to do and what I will do.

I will try to let natural consequences do the teaching.

Chores

I did add a few new chores to their chore chart and surprisingly, they were excited about it.  They are still whining a little while doing them and have still been having a hard time staying on task.  I need to do a better job of not reminding them.

Dinner

We had a couple of them complain tonight about what we were having, and I was actually really shocked because they love egg sandwiches!

The children that complained tonight, spent time in their room until they could apologize for being rude and ungrateful.  They were told that if they complained again that they would not get any more for dinner.  They finished their dinner without any other problems.

What I’ve Done

Today, when the kids were finished eating their snack, I had a little chat with them!

I told them that I would be making bread for breakfast starting at six o’clock.  “Kids who have half of their chores done correctly are welcome to help me make the dough.”

I then said that “I will play a game and read books starting at seven fifteen.  Kids who have correctly finished all their chores, who are in their PJs and have brushed their teeth are welcome to join me.”

While there was some “playing” and not staying on task while doing their chores (I did a few reminders, “I’m baking in 15 minutes”), all three of the older children got to help me make the dough.  We also all played

I did get agitated that I reminded them too much, but I’ll take the improvement that I got!  🙂  Baby steps!