Sorry you are so frustrated Tiff. I think a good place to start would be some time off from being a mommy, like Heather suggested. Also, maybe some new discipline ideas might help - when my methods for dealing with Elodie are no longer effective, I try a new approach (I get ideas from the gals here, books or the daycare teachers). Changing things up with them may make a big difference. I think Jaime had a really good idea, although it's really hard and stressful to be that consistant. Hang in there and get some time off to yourself. Hopefully Ryan will grow out of the worst of it soon.

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Melanie (32)
DH (34)
Elodie - Oct. 28, 2003
Solene - March 13, 2006

I SO hear you! Brynna has been pushing my buttons lately, and I haven't found a good way to deal with it yet. Mostly it's been when we're out, which is much worse than at home. I've ended up taking her out to the car and buckling her into her carseat to throw her fit. It's so fun walking out of a store (or church) with a screaming child and a baby. Yeah, gotta love it.

My sister, who has 8 kids, constantly refers me to this site: raising godly tomatoes. The lady can be quite extreme, but it has some really good ideas about how to start small and expect obedience and so on. I've been there quite a few times and taken bits and pieces to implement. Guess I need to go visit it again.

Keep on keeping on, you are doing a great job!!

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Godly tomatoes. That strikes me as funny today! The book Heather recommended is one I have also heard is very helpful. I don't have more advice than has already been shared, but I hope you find something that works for you very soon.

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You already know I think you're amazing. I don't know how you do everything you do. You're 100 times stronger and more patient than I am. I agree with everything the girls said. Alex is strong willed and defiant and very active as you have witnessed. Some days I feel like I'm doing well handling her and others not. Just keep doing the best you can and keep disciplining who ever misbehaves. In the end they will both get the message that when you are good and calm you don't get reprimanded, but when you aren't you do. Keep disciplining Ryan if he needs it. Cutting back on that will only make things worse for everyone. I don't think they'll think you pick favorites as long as you are consistent with your rules and punishments. If there's a rule, have it apply to both and let the punishment be applied the same to both. That's the fair thing, and your kids will see it.

Oh man. I think Alex is tough and defiant, I can't even imagine what Nicolas will be like since he's already much more difficult than Alex.

Hang in there. You're doing a great job!

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Mo & Carlos

~God's Blessings~

sounds like you've gotten a lot of good advice already, but i just wanted to offer ya a hug. believe me, we all have our days. you aren't alone.

hope you can get a break for a few hours and regroup.

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We've all had days (weeks) like that you're not alone.
Is there some baby gym or jumping beans programme Ryan could be involved with as a special time for him and to learn to control his body?

You're not playing favourites by disciplining 1 over the other, it's about what needs to be done

Also - about the house... I sometimes think boys are messier than what I see of my friends with just girls. I could be wrong but it might be the way they play? In any case, I've been trying to get Tim to keep his toys in one room so at least I can shut the door on it or have a blitz on it.

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BTDT many days myself as Isaac is a laid back easy child while Carson is VERY difficult and whiney/emotional baby.
You got tons of help from the other ladies here and I wsh you the best. Hang in there, k. We are here for you.

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Rachel
Proud Mother of 2 Boys and a Girl
Isaac David - February 2004
Carson Eli - January 2006
Kianna Rachelle - May 2008





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I do feel you pain and boy have i been there . I don't think there is much you can do differently. But i definitley agree on you getting a break.

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