It was an interesting week (and by interesting I mean frustrating and sob-inducing). The kids did well for about two days with their jobs, and then things started to fall apart. They were barely able to go to the ward trunk-or-treat. They were somewhat good in church on Sunday (after a huge speech from us), but H just couldn't keep it up. I kept reminding him about what we had talked about and encouraging him, but it didn't make a bit of difference. So finally on Monday afternoon, I gave up and told him he was out of chances and wouldn't get to go trick-or-treating on Halloween. I felt SO bad (and still do) but I was just so tired of giving him all the chances in the world and none of it making any difference. The only reason that S got to go (cause she hasn't exactly been a joy to be around the last week) is that she's in school all day and frankly has less time to get in trouble. And she does seem to snap out of the whining just a bit faster than H. T is sometimes the worst offender, but let's face it, he wouldn't "get it" even if we did take away the privilege.
I think I got a teeny, tiny insight this week into how Heavenly Father feels. I honestly felt like we have been doing everything we can, being patient, and trying different tactics--and it's so frustrating that it hasn't been working AT ALL. I think Heavenly Father must get so sad when we screw up again and again, after all He does to try and help us. I did wonder if I should keep giving H more chances but there comes a point as a parent when you just have to stick to the consequences you put in place. Anyway, we've decided to keep going with the jobs and having them earn the right to do things: even normal things like going to the grocery store (my kids love this) and going to Grandma's house for Sunday dinner. It could be a long holiday season...
On that note, here are a few Halloween pictures. :) T was supposed to be Darth Vader, but when he saw H in his ninja costume, he wanted to be one as well. He does have the right moves for it...
11 comments:
I am proud of you for sticking to you threat. Who needs three kids worth of candy at their home anyways. Haryy will soon forget and hopefully the other 2 will share.
Even without him going, we've got buttloads of candy...
You didn't say what Harry's reaction was. Since I know the kid, I can imagine how it went. But I am proud of you. Empty threats really don't do any good. Although I imagine it was just as hard for you as it was for him.
He cried, of course. He was pretty heartbroken. But he's recovered already. :)
Good job on the follow through. It really is hard to know how to get them in line at times.
I like your costume.
You are one tough cookie--good for you. I am a firm believer in following through. Love the outfits, too. I'm sure next year Luke will go for the tougher costumes rather than the lovable. I don't know if I'm ready for those ninja moves yet, though.
Tennille! I had no idea you had a blog. You're busted. I found your blog on Margo's, how do you know her? We knew them in CT. Anyway, it's so fun to see your kids, they seem SO BIG!!!! Have you checked out our blog? JJ
Margo is one of my fabulous friends from college--what a small world! We loved seeing Jackie and her cute, cute baby!
It is such a small world, I love it. Tennille, you are an incredible mother. I am so in awe of how you stood your ground. You go Mom. That is something Jarren and I are really trying to work on. I don't want my kids to grow up and think I am a push over. I think it is good for your kids to have a little fear of mom and dad.
So, T and S went trick or treating? Or just S? Just trying to picture the amount of "fit pitching" that went on. Glad you stuck to your guns!
S and T went trick or treating with A and I stayed home with H. (Enough initials in that sentence for ya?) :)
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