Am I alone?
This is ridiculous.Am I the only one that battles to get my (now) 10yr old out of bed every morning? I know its a gene thing...I really battle....but c'mon?!!
This morning was insane....it was 0740 and she was still hiding undercover refusing to get up! I cannot (and wont) wrestle with her at this stage. She has to listen to me. >_<
Eventually I did what every good mother does. I bribed. Although I dont like that word. I began to incentivise albeit negatively.
I began to deduct pocket money....we have a little chart that goes up at the beginning of every month. At the top is the total pocket money you get at the END of the month...but deductions (and additions) can occur at any given time during the course of those 30 days preceding pay-day. So basically you can lose and gain all through the month...ending up with MORE or LESS than the original amount. Works a treat for my girls, I tell ya!
So I finally said :
Well, if you thought the speed of light was quick....hmmmm. She was dressed and downstairs within 90seconds. All to the tune of 'snot, trane, horrible mom, so unfair, so rude, blah blah, falalalala*.
Do (or did) any of your kids give you drama and eternal grief in the mornings?
ps - we have put a moratorium on bedtime reading...she cannot put a book down (another pesky gene thing) and I think this may add to the morning madness.
This morning was insane....it was 0740 and she was still hiding undercover refusing to get up! I cannot (and wont) wrestle with her at this stage. She has to listen to me. >_<
Eventually I did what every good mother does. I bribed. Although I dont like that word. I began to incentivise albeit negatively.
I began to deduct pocket money....we have a little chart that goes up at the beginning of every month. At the top is the total pocket money you get at the END of the month...but deductions (and additions) can occur at any given time during the course of those 30 days preceding pay-day. So basically you can lose and gain all through the month...ending up with MORE or LESS than the original amount. Works a treat for my girls, I tell ya!
So I finally said :
That's it. You lose R20 off your pocket money with immediate effect. And I am going to stand here (downstairs at the breakfast table) and deduct R1 for every minute you make me wait!
Well, if you thought the speed of light was quick....hmmmm. She was dressed and downstairs within 90seconds. All to the tune of 'snot, trane, horrible mom, so unfair, so rude, blah blah, falalalala*.
Do (or did) any of your kids give you drama and eternal grief in the mornings?
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ps - we have put a moratorium on bedtime reading...she cannot put a book down (another pesky gene thing) and I think this may add to the morning madness.
Comments
That's a great idea about the pocket money chart *steals idea* - my eldest has just found out that he can earn money by doing housework. You should have seen that 5 year old work a vacuum, I was SO freaking proud. R10 and he was ALL over the house, even removing the 'head' to use the nozzle in small spaces. My little housework rockstar! Now I just need to figure out something for the three year old to do...(evil laugh)...
I feel your frustration. I really do.
My DH, he waits for the late bug and cheers them on. I am far tougher because I HATE being made late by others.
For the most part we are ok. I do a count down and then get into the car. It does usually spur them on BUT I do often find items left behind when I get back from dropping them!
Polly too - who knows where she got the early bug from (prob my MIL) but she is often up befor 05h30 and happily playing in her room.
I've obviously got weird kids.
But yes, i reckon the demerit system you've got going is going to do the trick.
I have had to totally ban books during the term - because it's such a distration for her. We so make deals about reading - she's only allowed to pick up a book when all that is needed to be done is DONE.
Your morning negiotiations sound perfect to me. Esp, if they work. And it worked the charm. I say go for it. Bribery and corruption goes a long way. :-) It helps make it unemotional when you NEED something done!
Hope it will help your mornings run more smoothly!
Personally... my mornings are MANIC - and my hair is permanently on fire.