All those titles popped up in my head for this post.
But basically I am doing too much for my girls. I am not doing them any favors and I am very unhappy some mornings. (And worn out most days)
So, changes are brewing.
1. They need to know what it means to be ready to leave by 8am (teeth brushed, hair brushed and fixed, uniform on, shoes on, packback ready to go, lunchbox ready to go)
2. Check the schedule before you get everything ready - even the night before - to see if you need to pack a snack for gymnastics and skating (I'll have one ready but Elizabeth doesn't like my choices and I am tired of catering to her whims. So, I'll have an option available and if she doesn't like it, she needs to have time to get another one ready) as well as water bottles for school and after school events.
3. If you have after school events, make sure you have your Leo ready to go as well as skates, helmet, pants and warm stuff.
4. Do your house work chores without being hounded. I don't mind reminding, but hounding leads to yelling which I don't like.
5. That includes reading 30 minutes a day so get your books ready to read in the car.
6. Homework needs to be done 100% before you start packing up your packback.
7. If you don't do your chores (washing dishes) and there ends up not being thermos for lunch available, I will make a sandwich for your lunch. So, if you want hot lunch, do your chores.
8. Dirty clothes go by the washing machine or in the hamper, not in the living room, bedroom, bedroom hallway, kitchen or stairs. If your clothes are not where they need to be, I won't be washing them and you will have to. I will make sure you have a uniform ready but not clothes for "fun"
9. No TV, Ipad, Ipod, Iphone, Laptop until chores and homework are done.
10. If you do the chores regularly without complaint you will get used to doing them and will even earn a raise in allowance. To allow for that raise, you will also need to add a new chore to your list. It's how it works in the working world so get used to it.
So - no one can come over right now. Our house is a bit of a mess. But, I swear and promise on this blog that I will enforce these rules starting now.
Tough love baby. One day my girls will realize it was the right thing for me to do.
:-)
2 comments:
Joan, I know it's difficult but you're doing the right thing for your girls. I try to remember that as a parent my top priority is helping my child become a happy, productive adult. She can't be happy, productive or and ADULT if she can't care for herself and be responsible. Hang in there...Greta.
You go girl! Please let me know how this works out for you!!
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