Thursday, June 26, 2008

MAYDAY MAYDAY

Our ship is sinking. Seriously.

King Daddy and I do not know what to do. The kids are flippant, disrespectful, disobedient and generally out of control.

The night of the Dance Party Oldest came down stairs 1,500,000 times. She lamented that she doesn't like her bed, that it isn't fair that she has to share her room with her brothers and a whole host of other complaints. Middle was bouncing off the walls, he hit the Baby who then started to scream. We put them in bed at 8:30, they finally fell asleep at 10. Middle's cars sleeping bag was taken away followed by his dinosaur. Oldest was ushered back up stairs without the utterance of a word, finally I am applying what Jo Jo tells all the other exhausted, exasperated parents do. Baby's blanket was returned to him and that was that.

King Daddy returned down stairs and asked if I could be frank with him, "what could he do that he isn't already doing?" He went on to tell me that they DO NOT ACT like this when I am away. Specifically Oldest. I know I am a softy, but the manipulation is totally out of control.

I went out to dinner with a friend last night and went home before meeting her. I told Oldest that I would be going out to dinner with my friend. She immediately threw herself on top of me and started with "I don't like it when you are not with meeeeeeeeeeeee."

King Daddy appeared to be stressed so I inquired what was up. He relayed to me that he had picked the kids up and took them to the playground. They had to leave abruptly because Middle fell and out of anger or frustration began hitting Baby. Temper tantrums ensued. Three temper tantrums. Middle's behavior is beyond unacceptable and yet when we tell him that go into time out he says "NO." UM, WHAT? And then we have to forcibly place him in time out. The things that he is teaching Baby...it is mind boggling. Baby now hits, kicks and screams. It is fun. AND makes me so proud. NOT!

So I began to ask the kids how the playground was and why it was that King Daddy was frustrated. Oldest said, "I didn't do anything." Middle said, "I didn't do anything." I was able to coax out of the two of them the events and told them how disappointed I am in them and they will continue to lose privileges if they continue to behave this way. I got up and began saying good bye to everyone. Oldest immediately bee-lined it to the car, crying all the way. I had to pull her off the car. She sat on the grass crying and waving to me as I pulled out of the driveway.

It was a great night (not) and we are equally frustrated with our children. Is it time to call Super Nanny?

9 comments:

Deb said...

I always wonder if there's something about the summer that makes kids act crazy. Mine have been horribly whiny and grumpy for the past couple of weeks too. I know with Abby it tends to be a lack of structure, but all three of them have been driving me crazy.

Good luck!

Lindsay said...

I wish I could give you some words of advice, but you're ahead of me in the game on this one. I will offer some words of comfort--this won't last forever--and some silent words of prayer on your behalf!

Beth Cotell said...

Any chance it's just summer and they haven't adjusted to the new routine yet?

Perhaps they are tired/over stimulated...any chance you could try putting them to bed earlier? I know that helps with my kids.

Good luck and hang in there!

scargosun said...

I don't have kids but it always seems like dominos with kids. One does something and they all go tumbling down. I atually remember it being that way when I was a kid. You don't need SuperNanny, just some agreement between you and KD about what needs to be done both when you are there and when you are not. You guys will be ok.

Mandy said...

Supernanny...you don't know how many times I have contemplated calling her this past week. I totally, totally feel your pain and wish I had the magic answer.

Karen said...

I always find myself being so very lenient with the kids when summer starts (because hey, it's summer!) but by about this time I crack down on them. Turns out they can't stay up late and run all day. Why do I have to relearn this every. year.?

KathyLikesPink said...

I read your post yesterday and have been pondering it ever since.

Having only one child, I have no experience with multiple kids acting up all at the same time. The fact that it's all three makes me wonder if there has been some change to their normal routine? (Other than school being out?) Maybe they are not getting enough physical exercise - maybe they're getting too much and are over tired?

Darling Daughter had a pattern. For about six months at a time she would eat a lot and sleep a lot, and at the end of about six months she would be an inch taller. Her body was busy growing. Then the next six months she would be easily cranky, and very active. Any chance your babes are all going through a growth spurt?

I feel for you, girl! Hope it levels out soon.

As Cape Cod Turns said...

Just when you want to loosen the reigns for summer vacation, the kids rebel!
I would just assume it was the change in schedule. Did you say at one point your husband was a teacher? And he just got out of school?
My only suggestion is consistency. If one gets punished doing something, then the next night he/she does it, they have to be punished the same way. It is hard to keep up, but you will find success in the long run.
"This too shall pass" is one of my favorite sayings when things are not going so well.

Anonymous said...

Just wait B .... and keep repeating after me..."Serenity now, serenity now."

My kids are 14, 12, and 10..and I have to say for the most part we made it through those VERY VERY trying times. Looking back, you will remember the Dance Party more than you will even recall what the battle was about to heed a mayday call.

Chrissy