Creative Parenting....OT
Find a Conversation
| Mon, 03-29-2004 - 8:29pm |
SOoooooooo- I decided that having all their nice things is a privilege, and they're not earning it right now. They've been losing their allowances for the same infraction, and it's not working either. So tonight we remedied the situation.
As of now my children have a bed, 2 sheets, one pillow, and a dresser with 7 outfits and 2 pairs of pajamas, and one pair of shoes in their rooms. THAT IS IT. I took everything else- games, toys, books, stuffed animals, other clothes, etc. out, packed it up, and put it in the basement. For the next two weeks they will live with their little "minimalist" rooms, then each week they keep their rooms straight I will give them back one box or bag. And if they manage to keep it clean for that week they will get one more box, etc. They both have 9 boxes and 3 garbage bags downstairs now.
Rina's crying and asking if she can have ONE of her pretty things back... "Just ONE box Mom??? I promise I will keep it clean." Ramey's kinda in shock. I've told them if they still can't keep their rooms clean the next step is locking them out of their rooms completely and giving them each a sleeping bag on the floor in the hallways and dining room. I think they realize I am fed up. So far they're contrite. Hope it lasts. I want them to learn a lesson.
Hugs to all,
Mel

Pages
My daughter, the 6 yr old fashion plate that she is, didn't take long to choose her clothes because there was such a limited supply. She didn't primp in the mirror trying to do her hair because her hair things are gone. Ramey knew where his school stuff was and didn't have to dig through his other stuff to find it. In fact, for the first time in AGES, they left ON TIME for the bus and were able to walk to the bus stop instead of running panicked.
I went into their rooms this morning, and they even straightened up their beds and took their pajamas to the hamper. I know today they'll be pulling out all the stops (see mom? I can do it! Can I have my stuff back now PLEAAAASSSEEE!) but I will not give an inch this time. I hope they realize that it IS a privilege to have so many great things.
I weed their toys out every 3 or 4 months, and clothes every 2 or 3 months. Rina's the 2nd in a line of 5 girl cousins so we hand down as often as possible and she gets her hand me downs pretty regularly too.
If you are thinking about using this- I have to say I recommend it. I didn't have any flash headaches when I walked through their rooms this morning. There was NO stress before school other than the glaring, and the kids really know I mean business. I think it will work out like I planned.
Hugs,
Mel
Amanda
VISIT BLAKES SITE
You are too cool for school! I am printing out your post and showing it to my husband. I am also going to warn my DS that it could happen to him.....
Deb 270/228/145ish (updated 4/19/04. Next weigh-in: 6/1/04)
Oh yeah, guess what? I'm probally going to be putting your plan into action.
DS has been
Deb 270/228/145ish (updated 4/19/04. Next weigh-in: 6/1/04)
Pages