Creative Parenting....OT

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-02-2003
Creative Parenting....OT
11
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 8:29pm
My children are trying to make me crazy. They KEEP TELLING ME THEIR ROOMS ARE CLEANED WHEN THEY AREN'T! They're hiding things under their beds, and not taking care of their stuff at all. I am at my wits end! I can't stand the lying to me about it, and I won't tolerate it.

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

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-02-2003
Thu, 04-01-2004 - 9:39pm
Tell Nate he'll live. :-) Ramey and Rina finally quit whining! And have had themselves in check enough to do ALL their chores since then- so far.

I am glad you might be able to use the idea, Deb. It's REALLY helping my kids. They're still not happy about it, but they're getting it.

Mel

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