Going to Give it a Try
Rhonda and Suzanne may be on to something with their "Boot Camp" and "Listening Camp" ideas. For some reason, the kids have been really difficult lately. Vika has been outright refusing to do the things we ask of her - even something as simple as "Please get dressed." There is no reason to resist, yet she is picking fights all the time. In fact, currently she is up stairs, opening her bedroom door repeatedly. The rule in our house is doors closed at bedtime - the local firefighters told us this was safer than leaving them open. This rule has been in place for a while, but tonight she is choosing to fight it.
Eamon, on the other hand, has become much more whiney and aggressive. Asking him to clean his room will result in a drop-to-the-floor screaming and kicking fit that lasts a good 10 minutes. When it's not driving me crazy, it's actually a bit amusing.
But the behavior of both Vika and Eamon is getting to a point where it is hurting the family. Rhonda was correct when she said that because our kids have taken such huge steps forward in their development, when they take a step backwards (as all kids do), it is huge as well. So, tomorrow, both Vika and Eamon will go into "Listening Camp." It should be interesting. Vika's a very strong, stubborn little girl, who is also very smart. A daunting combination to take on as a parent. After a tantrum or two, I expect that Eamon will do fine. In general, he wants to please and do things that help people. We'll see how they both react to the camp, and hope that their behavior shows some improvement after a day of "listening practice" and doing things "to help the family."
Wish us luck. I have a feeling we're going to need it.
Eamon, on the other hand, has become much more whiney and aggressive. Asking him to clean his room will result in a drop-to-the-floor screaming and kicking fit that lasts a good 10 minutes. When it's not driving me crazy, it's actually a bit amusing.
But the behavior of both Vika and Eamon is getting to a point where it is hurting the family. Rhonda was correct when she said that because our kids have taken such huge steps forward in their development, when they take a step backwards (as all kids do), it is huge as well. So, tomorrow, both Vika and Eamon will go into "Listening Camp." It should be interesting. Vika's a very strong, stubborn little girl, who is also very smart. A daunting combination to take on as a parent. After a tantrum or two, I expect that Eamon will do fine. In general, he wants to please and do things that help people. We'll see how they both react to the camp, and hope that their behavior shows some improvement after a day of "listening practice" and doing things "to help the family."
Wish us luck. I have a feeling we're going to need it.
eek. much much much luck!
Oh. Tomorrow is going to not be a fun day for anyone--probably Mom most of all. I hope your camp only lasts ONE day! Can't wait to hear all about it.
Hope all goes well. Hang in there and be consistent. You can do it!!
OOh, I can't wait to hear how Vika does!
My dad is a fire inspector, when I was in 3rd grade he came to class to talk about fire safety and told us we need to sleep with the door shut, freaked out all of the 3rd graders in my class. I don't doubt that most of us still sleep with our doors shut!
best of luck to you. We need a bit of listening camp around here too.
OY!! If I don't see a post from you in a couple of days, we know Vika won. lol. good luck.
OOOhhhh what's listening camp?
Seriously I wish you luck. I am sure it will be harder on you than them!
Good luck to you! Stay strong, it isn't a fun day. But, once you set the precedent, you can threaten with a day of listening camp instead of actually doing it.
P.S. I'm glad to know my kids aren't the only ones.
please let us know how you implement listening camp. so i can take notes...
Good luck!
hold the course.
We are also finding the Love and Logic book to be useful.
Good luck!
Oh Lord, my sweet little Ariel went through a phase where she'd scream at the top of her lungs and THROW THINGS!!! Nothing helped, so I finally started outright ignoring her. It was a good few weeks before it worked though, and I think I cried as much as she screamed!
It's natural for kids to test, and it sounds like you guys are doing exactly what you need to to nip it in the bud now!
Good luck!