I think I'm going to start drinking if my kids fight all summer, I can't stand it! How do I stop my 10 yr olds from fighting over everything?
Teach them to respect each other. Model how they should instead react when bothered by the sibling. If there is an item in particular they argue over, set up a schedule for who gets it when.
College age too... My son is home from college for the summer. He has spent the last several months coming and going as he pleases, doing God knows what. Now he's having to re-adjust to my rules. Not working out too well, just like last summer. (He just completed sophomore year.) He's loking for summer employment, but not having much luck. I love him, but if he doesn't find a job or something to do soon, we're both going to go crazy. :banghead:
I remember those days! Younger children become very used to being on a schedule in school, and for some, the lack of a schedule at home can create a sense of boredom. That's when they start looking for anything that stirs excitement, including fighting with siblings or trying to get the parents attention (good or bad). In school they have something to look forward to in a way (the next subject, lunch, PE etc) so maybe at home you could try to outline the day or week for them. Not a real structured day;it is summer after all, but if they know that first we are going to do this, then do that, and we WON'T do that if you can't behave, it may help them settle down. You could post a calendar just for them and put fun events on it (like going to a pool, on a picnic, etc). Just my thoughts based on experience.
I saw our friends kids on Wednesday late afternoon and they said they were bored already. :lol::lol::lol:
My first day went pretty well, can't complain. This morning....whole different story. Two youngest are fighting, and my oldest does anything he can to stay away from them (and me). Tonight we're going to see Muddy Mudcats though (what they call them!) so I can hold that over them today! :jester: It does help to have some sort of schedule though, I do agree. Today I'm going to make up some sort of schedule and daily chore list for each of them. Maybe if they're busy they will stay out of trouble! Maybe?
You too???--LOL. My first day wasn't that bad and we only had 12 kids here. They know the rules and they know I'll kick them out if they don't follow. We relax the next few days and then it is back on schedule on Monday. Trust me, kids need routine and schedules even during the summer. They like to know hwat to expect. So, I have my scheduled worked out every hour from 8 am to 10 pm. Seriously. No one comes over on Wednesdays. We are also going to start going to story time (wel, the younger kids are) on Wed. mornings at 10am. Crafts/ projects for school are on Friday. Scavenger hunts will be on the list too. Nothing big for sure. We took big vacation in April and May and are going on day trips to the beach in June & a reunion but that is it for the summer. We do have a pool so that helps. But, mostly, it is the kids and their friends hanging out. We are doing 2 hours of school per day from 9 to 11. It starts them out focusing, and nothing hard. Just learning some fun stuff and applying it. Anyhow, routine w/ help w/ the whining and such. I wish you all hte best. Today, we have 2 parties here for birthdays. Umm, there are 19 kids here today. I think if you ask me this question tomorrow, I may have a different answer--LOL. Good luck. J ust keep them busy and the whining(well, most of it) will stop. Take care, Stephanie--mom to 7
