We, as parents, are contemplating Strike Action...

[Cath!]

We have issued a warning to the 4 brats that we call our children that if they do not stop whining and start helping out and start showing an interest in making the household run smoother...we will hereby enfore Strike Action. This means that we will no longer pay to rent videos for them, no driving to each and every practice and game that they are in, stop doing their laundry, stop cooking for them and anything that is evil enough to cross our minds.

"It's not MY job!" is the phrase heard most around this house. Yet, they still expect us to jump at their every whim.

Well, dammit...things are gonna change around here and heads are gonna roll if they don't smarten up!!

Anyone else ever feel like this? I have heard it at different places that I have worked at, as well.

 

[Littleme]

I had a friend that did exactly that, she went on strike. Believe me her pre teens learnt fast!

 

[Pokerman]

Hey cath!

How old are your kids?

 

[Cath!]

Hey cath!

How old are your kids?

girl - 18
girl - 17
boy - 10
girl - 8

 

[seXieleXie]

We have issued a warning to the 4 brats that we call our children that if they do not stop whining and start helping out and start showing an interest in making the household run smoother...we will hereby enfore Strike Action. This means that we will no longer pay to rent videos for them, no driving to each and every practice and game that they are in, stop doing their laundry, stop cooking for them and anything that is evil enough to cross our minds.
<snip>
Anyone else ever feel like this? I have heard it at different places that I have worked at, as well.

while 8 and 10 is a little young, i don't see why you should be doing all this for the 17 and 18 year old. if they want to be treated like adults (and i'm sure they do) they need to behave like adults, and that means taking responsability for their lives. they will bitch and moan about it at first, but they need to be able to take care of themselves when they step out into the world, and if they don't start learning now they are going to be in for one hell of a shock when their time comes.

for the younger ones, an empty threat is a bad idea and this is most likely an empty threat. you will really stop cooking for your 8 year old? you really want a 3rd grader making her own meals? probably not. but i would definitly put them on restriction until they shape up their act. "you can't watch tv unless the living room and your room are clean" "you can't go out and play unless your laundry is put away" etc etc.

i believe that discipline is good for kids. don't let them become spoiled, it's no good for them and it's no good for you.

 

[plasticman33]

Do it, but make sure you make good on your threats. Follow through is critical. Once the kids know what you expect and the consequences for not doing their chores, they'll come around!

 

[Cath!]

Re: Re: We, as parents, are contemplating Strike Action...

for the younger ones, an empty threat is a bad idea and this is most likely an empty threat. you will really stop cooking for your 8 year old? you really want a 3rd grader making her own meals? probably not. but i would definitly put them on restriction until they shape up their act. "you can't watch tv unless the living room and your room are clean" "you can't go out and play unless your laundry is put away" etc etc.

i believe that discipline is good for kids. don't let them become spoiled, it's no good for them and it's no good for you.

I agree...with my first post, I kind of used the female option of the 20% exaggeration factor. sorry.

BUT the younger ones have daily and weekly chores that they are supposed to do, and they argue over them.

We were given money for Christmas and went out and bought the ungrateful wretches an X-box...now that is all they want to do. Thank god, the threat of grounding them from it still works. And then, we just bought 6 tickets to go to Palm Springs over Spring Break...and they are whining and complaining about having to take over their older sister's paper route because she just got a job. Those are the kinds of things that annoy us...they should be happy to earn spending money.

Anyways...I was just venting...and the fine print will have to be worked out...but this is all a strong possibility!

 

[Silverlily]

Re: Re: We, as parents, are contemplating Strike Action...

while 8 and 10 is a little young,

My eight and ten year olds fix their own breakfasts and lunches. They know how to make a balanced meal and how to clean up after themselves (and actually do it most of the time). I wouldn't let them use the stove or range, but the oldest can use the microwave safely.

Life isn't what it was when I was little. My mom stayed home and fixed all the meals until we were in our teens. In my house, both my husband and I work and often, everyone is out by 7:30 am and not back until after six. Giving them some responsibility for themselves not only keeps thing running smooth in the morning, but has made them more self-reliant and confident.

 

[Cath!]

Re: Re: Re: We, as parents, are contemplating Strike Action...

Giving them some responsibility for themselves not only keeps thing running smooth in the morning, but has made them more self-reliant and confident.

EXACTLY!!

Mind you...our 10 yr old can quite capably cook oatmeal, cream of wheat, Mr Noodle, soup and pizza using the stove and oven.

 

[mysty74]

My kids are always giving us hassles. Let me know if it works. I may have to try it.
I have, however thought of doing an "incentive plan" so to speak. Do all your chores, get a star. When you get so many stars, you get to do________.
Mysty

 

[Weird Harold]

My kids are always giving us hassles. Let me know if it works. I may have to try it.
I have, however thought of doing an "incentive plan" so to speak. Do all your chores, get a star. When you get so many stars, you get to do________.
Mysty

Unless there is a "stick" to go with that "carrot" you'll just get more problems. I don't mean a literal "stick" but there has to be a corollary to "You get to..." like "If you don't, then...."

You have to sit down with kids and explain the changes to come and why you feel they're needed. Then stick to your guns by being consistent in applying the new rules. When dealing with children, let "Never make an idle threat" be your guiding light.

 

[LukkyKnight]

Always listen to Harold

...and since the problem seems to be at least in part the actual protests themselves, it's time for a "prohibited words and phrases" list. Start with "It's not my job." Why? Because we all live here and so we all have to participate. Penalty might be "1 hour per year of your age before you can use the TV (with or without the Xbox) again... doesn't matter if somebody else has one on, YOU can't be in the room."

There there's the ever popular, here are the things now expressly forbidden. Do you want to establish the sanctions, or shall the parents do that because "It's our job."?????

 

[christophe]

YIKES!

Show me to the sweeper Cath!

 

[Cath!]

YIKES!

Show me to the sweeper Cath!

hmm...I don't think that I would waste your talents on the sweeper...I may just have some other chores for you

 

[christophe]

hmm...I don't think that I would waste your talents on the sweeper...I may just have some other chores for you

like what? I sweep, do dishes, cook ( I am Italian), do laundry...oh did i mention i lick pussy like an olympic gold medalist

 

[Cath!]

damn...soooooo close

oh did i mention i lick pussy like an olympic gold medalist

We don't own any cats but how are you at bathing dogs?

 

[christophe]

Um define dog!











"I have never fucked a 10 before, but once I fucked 5 twos"~George Carlin

 

[Cath!]

LMAO

You go to my room and contemplate that thought!

 

[christophe]

Exactly what will I be cleaning in your Room Miss Cath?
If your not here I will have to go thru your panty drawer!

 

[Cath!]

hmm...my bed may need messing up...oh, I mean straightening up!

 

[christophe]

Well I will get out the rubber sheets and squeegy!