Monday, February 23, 2009

Pulling my hair out........


My youngest son, Aaron, is going through a rough period.  He argues with me on everything.  He disagrees with everyone.  When things don't go his way, he has a meltdown or a fit.  I absolutely will not allow him to argue with me and I am almost constantly setting parameters or taking away privileges.  He is wearing me out!   I also will not put up with the fits.  He has been sent to bed early regularly.   Right now he has lost TV, computer, and video game access for the rest of the evening. (repeating to myself:  I will not raise a spoiled brat, I will not raise a spoiled brat, I will not raise a spoiled brat or I will die trying to prevent it.....)

I. Am. Going. Crazy.

One hair at a time.  Why does the youngest have to be the most difficult?  If I don't kill him, his brother might.  


I'm hear to tell you - it's him or me, and I'm not going down without a fight!


And now, on a more pleasant note:  Manic Monday questions - 

What’s one of the simple pleasures in your life? Snuggling on the couch, watching TV or a movie, with Steven.  Reading the Sunday paper.  Listening to music alone in my room after everyone has gone to bed.  Sweet tea.

What do you like to snack on when you watch a movie? If it’s at the movie theater, I like to have a Diet Coke and some Goobers. At home, I'm likely to have some Bailey's and coffee or hot chocolate.

If you were a Survivor contestant, what would be your luxury item? Well, I would never be on Survivor. I'm not a good outdoors person, and I like my creature comforts like a bathroom and my bed. But my luxury item would be an air mattress. I hate sleeping on the ground on the floor or the ground.

Hope your Monday was calmer than mine.
J.

11 comments:

Jay said...

He'll grow out of it. Of course, I'm 40 and I haven't, but that's different.

Probably. ;-)

Brother Dave said...

Maybe Aaron likes pushing your buttons. The only thing he has control over is his ability to make you angry.

Try giving him choices. My grandkid's Dad said to her, "do you want to take that straw out of your nose, or do you want me to take your drink away from you?"

The straw got removed immediately. Of course, the age of the child might mitigate the management choice.

Jay might be right… "He'll grow out of it."

As well as Blondefabulous… "…keep fighting the fight…"

Sayre said...

We have gone/are going through this with ZBoy. Unpleasant people do not get to be with other people. They get to go stay in their room. They may read or sleep or play quietly, but the room stays clean and they stay quiet.

TV, Computer and friends coming over have all been terminated before. I actually like him much better when he doesn't spend time on the computer. Computer makes him a rather sullen creature.

And of course, it helps if there is something he really wants. Z is lobbying for a mouse. I have told him that he could have one, but he had to demonstrate to me that he could be consistantly responsible. That means clean room, doing homework, handing it in, behaving in class and not losing points because he's playing or talking when he should be paying attention. Every week he comes home with points off is a delay in getting the mouse (which is/was slated to arrive during spring break). You just have to find what motivates him and use it as a carrot - or as a stick.

I had a Bailey's and milk tonight when I got home from work. Love it in coffee, but I only drink coffee in the morning - and can't really start my day off like that unless I don't have to go anywhere.

Jan said...

I wish I could say it's the age...but I'm afraid that's not the answer. It goes on and on. I agree. He's pushing your button. Don't let him get the best of you!
Hang in there, J!

e.Craig Crawford said...

Sounds like Aaron and Mom are due for a day out together. Just the 2 of you. Having fun.

Rick Rockhill said...

well it is the age J, he's just doing what kids that age do best. disagree with mom.

deep breath. hang in there!!

captain corky said...

Hopefully it's just a phase. Hang in there, J.

Just Dave said...

It is axiomatic that the youngest child in a multi-sibling family is always the most difficult to conform to the rules. There are numerous reasons but I don't really want to get into that. You are doing the right thing by not cutting him any slack. I will pass but it will probably be the longest 10 years of your life.

Jodi said...

Jay - Stop it. You're depressing me.

Blondefabulous - Put my foot up his ass? Hell yeah. Just please, no more whining.

Brother Dave - I don't think he deliberately pushes my buttons. I think he's immature. I DO give him choices. What he doesn't like is when MY choices don't match up with what HE wants to do. But I ain't giving up.

Sayre -
Unpleasant people do not get to be with other people. They get to go stay in their room. They may read or sleep or play quietly, but the room stays clean and they stay quiet.
I like this. I am definitely going to use this. Here's raising a glass of Bailey's to us, who continue to fight the good fight against disagreeable children.

Tookie - Don't worry. I'm not giving up, no way, no how. Thanks for the encouragement.

E.Craig - I just gave him an somewhat expensive birthday party AND a present. He doesn't get anything else that costs money until his behavior improves. But that's a good idea. Only cheap.

Palm Spring Savant, aka Rick - I know every kid is different, but none of the other kids acted like this at this age. Can I ship him to you for a few weeks?

Corky - You're alive! Glad to see you around again! I know it's just a phase, but I'm too old and tired for this shit. He's the victim of an older mom who's "been there, done that".

Just Dave - 10 YEARS? 10 years? Come on!!! I'm going to be WAY OLD by then. Sheesh!

J.

Trukindog said...

Goobers? Wouldn't that be cannibalism for you?! ;)

Unknown said...

Good luck with the boy!

There's something about reading the Sunday paper that is so relaxing to me. I just love it!