Image by Hulki Okan Tabak from Pixabay
We do too much for our children. Why? Because we parents would rather do it ourselves and avoid the nagging, the pleading, the hassle altogether.
Let’s start with their room. Sit down with them at the serious table. Have a printed contract that states they will make their beds every morning before school, they will take out the trash every Saturday and there will be no food or drink ever in the bedroom. Have them sign and date it.
If they don’t follow any of the rules, they sleep on the floor in the living room on a pallet. You’ll decide how long they’ll sleep there.
If they can’t respect and appreciate their living quarters, they don’t get to have them.
It’s a bit harsh, yes, but will drive the message home.
The message is, “You’re old enough to have this responsibility. I am not your housekeeper. You will respect yourself and our home. If you fail to follow the rules, it’s on you”.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch.
Let’s start with their room. Sit down with them at the serious table. Have a printed contract that states they will make their beds every morning before school, they will take out the trash every Saturday and there will be no food or drink ever in the bedroom. Have them sign and date it.
If they don’t follow any of the rules, they sleep on the floor in the living room on a pallet. You’ll decide how long they’ll sleep there.
If they can’t respect and appreciate their living quarters, they don’t get to have them.
It’s a bit harsh, yes, but will drive the message home.
The message is, “You’re old enough to have this responsibility. I am not your housekeeper. You will respect yourself and our home. If you fail to follow the rules, it’s on you”.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch.
