I had to make a hard parenting decision tonight... To take something, in order to get someone to GIVE something in return...
Nicolas and I have been battling with Stevie over responsibility and selfishness for a while now. Don't get me wrong, she's an AWESOME kid... but there's always room for improvement. Our first battle was over her daily checklist. 10 small items on a piece of paper that she puts a mark beside as she completes them... Easy tasks... make your bed, brush your teeth, do your homework, etc. ONE task calls for her to ask if she can help with trash or laundry. I specifically put this on here so that it would get her to think outside her little bubble and contribute to the family. Well, she selectively skips over this task at least 4 days out of the week...
Well today, I found out that she skipped not just this one task... but 3. Today's the second day in a row she didn't make her bed... the 2nd day in a row she didn't ask about trash or laundry... and the first day EVER that she's skipped her homework (which means she'll turn in an incomplete assignment tomorrow.) Big deal... you might think. Except she received this assignment last Thursday and has had a week to complete it - and we SPECIFICALLY talked about how to complete it TODAY, just last night.
As I was tucking her into bed tonight, I had to inform her that she'd have plenty of time next week, as well as the rest of the year to complete her homework because I emailed her teacher and requested that she be removed from drama club, and the end of the year school play. My heart shatters a little as I sit here listening to her cry herself to sleep... but I'm at my wits end. I've tried explaining life to her. I've tried lecturing. I've tried grounding. I've tried rewarding. It's time to try consequences and see how well that works out. I need responsibility and selflessness from an extremely mature 7 yr old... for a long time it's been laziness and "me me me." I'll let you know how this works out!
Ugh... can't they stay babies FOREVER?? I don't like this parenting stuff :(
Oh how I do not look forward to teaching these kinds of life lessons!! GOOD FOR YOU for being such an awesome mommy! Hang in there, friend.:)
ReplyDeleteWe battle that with our 7 year old all the time. The lessons are tough but it is necessary. We do the same stuff with Madalyn. We are considered mean parents because I hold my kids accountable, even Weston at 3 years old. Good job and hang in there, it has to get easier.
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