VickiVM
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 3, 2001
I've tried to read most posts all the way through (but impatient DH wants on the computer), so forgive me if this already has been mentioned. But when we're out with our three (3, 6 and 8), if one is misbehaving in a way that is disruptive to us and others, he/she gets taken out. Meaning that either myself or DH continues on with the other children and one of us stays back with the errant child, isolated from everyone else and the fun. They're told that as soon as they can gain control of themselves, then we can re-join the others. It may mean that we leave to go sit in the car while the others finish their meal in the restaurant, or we sit on a bench outside the store or if necessary, we simply go home. But these instances become fewer and far between because they know the consequences and more than anything, they hate to be isolated from the rest of the family.
But the meltdowns do happen and I guess we parents have to reckon with them because they're inevitable at their ages.
We have been planning our trip for almost a year now and we have been really working hard with our children about what is expected of them while on vacation. My middle child who has been prone to tantrums since day one is gaining more control of her emotions and now goes to her room when she's losing it and comes out a few moments later and apologizes to us. We've allowed her outbursts, but only in the solitude of her room. She's learning that she hates solitude!
To the original poster...I love your honesty. It's so refreshing to know that I'm not the only one who's buttons get pushed so easily by my children.
But the meltdowns do happen and I guess we parents have to reckon with them because they're inevitable at their ages.
We have been planning our trip for almost a year now and we have been really working hard with our children about what is expected of them while on vacation. My middle child who has been prone to tantrums since day one is gaining more control of her emotions and now goes to her room when she's losing it and comes out a few moments later and apologizes to us. We've allowed her outbursts, but only in the solitude of her room. She's learning that she hates solitude!
To the original poster...I love your honesty. It's so refreshing to know that I'm not the only one who's buttons get pushed so easily by my children.