whit's end

The kids are out of school this week for spring break. It has already proved to be quite a challenge because it was raining the first 2 days and we couldn't go outside for anything physical to wear them out. They did get naps but that doesn't help. One of the twins thrives on being active and has a very high metabolism and never sits still. And if he gets upset, Look OUT!

Such is the case this week. He has been cooped up inside for a few days and not able to get any energy out. So when he got frustruated at something he just went off. I sent him to his room and told him to stay in there until he could calm himself down. He didn't like that very much and slammed the door and screamed at the top of his lungs at me. So he was asked to stay in there for the rest of the day (no biggie since it was already 4pm, right?) End of the world for him. The screaming got louder and banging on walls and yelling and whinning and crying and slamming and more yelling....etc. I hit bottom. I don't know what else to do for this kid. There is no talking to him when he is upset and getting him to calm down is what he needs. This is just about impossible unless you give him some kind of reward. Well, what's the good in rewards if he never learns anything and pitches a fit until he gets it? I was boo hooing while trying to keep busy folding clothes. The other kids noticed and starting asking why I was crying but mostly didn't care. They were more consumed with PBS on tv. Fine with me as long as it was only the one giving me grief at the moment.

I just wish I knew what to do for him. We started a sticker reward system where they get a sticker for each day that they are good. After they get 10 stickers they get a small prize (toy) and when they fill their chart (25 stickers) they get a bigger prize. Everyone has gotten a prize so far except this one kid who insists on making everything a battle. He really lost it a few nights ago when we decided to take stickers away because he would not calm down or listen to us. We quickly decided that you can only have 1 sticker taken away per day, this way it is not so traumatic getting them taken away. And we added that once a sticker is taken away it can not be given back that day, you have to earn it back the next day.

This sticker thing is hit or miss with him though. He was doing really good in the beginning and then had his bad spell a few days ago where he lost about 4 stickers total. Devastating to him! I think he is starting to get it though. He tells me everyday how many more stickers he has to get to get his prize (which he already picked out and is on the top of the closet). He asks me frequently throughout the day if he is being good and the answer has generally been "Yes, Keep it up". I do find that I need to remind him when he starts to whine or I can see a tantrum coming on about his stickers and then he thinks about it for a second and adjusts. I just hope he can stay on track and keep it up. I really want him to get this down now so that is won't be a struggle in the future for his sake.

Here's hoping.

Growing up too soon.

So my 7 year old daughter told her daddy the other day that she had a boyfriend and that he told her he had never kissed anyone before. Thus the spart that started the whole conversation about 7 year olds not being allowed to kiss and you had to be at LEAST 18 before you could. She seemed ok with that.

This morning, while waiting at the bus stop, one of the moms mentioned that her daughter told her last night about someone in the class, "I think it was your daughter" she said pointing at me, kissed a boy on the cheek yesterday on the playground. WHAT!!! After the talk we had.

I immediately called my daughter over and inquired as to the truth of this story. She didn't deny it at all but looked up to me almost smirking and confirmed it. Little Snot! I wanted to laugh so hard, and I think I actually did a little. But then I had to explain it to her again and remind her that 7 year olds are NOT allowed to kiss, even if it is on the cheek.

My head is still swirling an hour later. Oh the things I will most likely have to deal with in the future. A very non-enthusiastic "Yipee" is all I have to say.

Sunshine, Finally!

Today is beautiful. No jackets needed. Even considered shorts, but all of ours are in storage at the moment. So we headed out to get some much needed groceries and were right next to the ever ellusive Wal-Mart so we got the kids some short-sleeved shirts. They had a blast picking out their own shirts. Cost a little more than hubby expected but it would have cost MUCH more if we were anywhere else.
Now for the parents to get some new clothes.