Unleashing The Beast
Sometimes my kids push me too far. They mistake my amicable mood as a sign of weakness and try to take advantage of it. That’s when I have to pull the reigns back and deliver a little reminder of who is boss. For example, over the last week or so, the kids have been coming in from school and tossing their belongings wherever is most convenient for them. I cannot tell you how many backpacks, shoes and jackets I have tripped over recently. They pay no mind to my efforts to keep the house picked up and in some kind of order. They grab snacks, toss the wrappers on the floor and then leave remains all over the table. After snack time is over, they run outside to blow off some steam and leave me standing amongst the refuse and stinky socks. What’s worse, is the bad attitudes that have seemed to reclaim them. The constant whining, arguing and complaining has just about driven me nuts.
Today was the final straw. I had busted my rear to grocery shop, mop, vacuum, do dishes, laundry and get some work done. I was extremely tired, but needed to get dinner ready and prepare for tomorrow’s kindergarten field trip (which I am chaperoning.) Did the kids know all of this? Probably not, but did they care when I told them that I needed help cleaning up the mess? Hell no. They whined, argued and fought when I assigned menial chores to each of them. Something in me snapped and I lost my cool. I turned into Momzilla/drill sergeant from hell. I squinted my eyes, lowered my voice and got very close to their faces as I threatened the loss of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…in that order.
For some odd reason, it worked! By the time my husband returned home, the house was clean, dinner was on the stove and the kids were saying “Yes Mam.” I know it sounds too good to be true, but it really happened. Did I spank? Nope. Did I have to put six kids in time out for three hours, just to make them do a simple two minute chore? No way. All it took was a good scare. The kids had not seen Momzilla since the show and I think it made them realize that no amount of Supernanny’s advice would override my God given right to unleash the beast when necessary!
Tags: attitudes, behavior, chores, discipline, yellingRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Sharing Thoughts, Supernanny Follow-Up, WWSD?
6 opinions for Unleashing The Beast
Nicole
Apr 8, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Funny how the “loud mom” is also more effective after you’ve been the “calm mom”. You get a little boost of attention from the dramatic change in decibels. I find that tactic most useful, particular during a food fight or a tidal bath, both of which are a pain in the rear to clean.
- signed, a fellow occasional beast mom.
CanadianMom
Apr 8, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Yes, Momzilla has worked for me on many occasions as well. And its funny, sometimes I LOOK mad enough, I don’t even have to raise my voice. And off they scurry to their jobs, looking over their shoulders to see if I’m coming.
david quiroz
Apr 9, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Your children are a reflection of your awful behavior.
kadi
Apr 9, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Yes, David, you are right. My children do act awfully sometimes, as do I. However, they also reflect all of my love and devotion to raising them to be respectful, loving people. The majority of the time, they are wonderful children. They reflect both the good and the bad. If yelling is the worst that happens in this house, then I think we are doing a mighty fine job (and so does Jo Frost. She told me so herself.)
b5media - b5media Lifestyles Deliciously Random
Apr 9, 2008 at 8:55 pm
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Apr 11, 2008 at 3:16 pm
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