How do you deal with "out of control" children?
By Stephanie5
@Stephanie5 (2946)
United States
December 5, 2006 6:49am CST
I have 9 kids, 4 of them are step-kids. There are 7 boys, 2 girls, with the girls being the oldest and youngest.... The boys, well 3 of them are just out of control, they are mouthy and disrespectful and short of beating them, I've tried everything from time outs to taking toys, to grounding and nothing seems to get their attention. Their ages are 8, 9, and 13. I just don't know what to do with them anymore. Our house has become a very loud place to live with everyone screaming at the top of their lungs to try to be heard. This is NOT working and I'm about to lose my mind! Any feedback would be great! Thanks :-)
4 responses
@Mahindan (563)
• Canada
7 Dec 06
How do you do it? You must have a lot of energy to deal with them. Most of the times kids would start behaving once they know they can't get away with their attitude. But other times they are just not possible. I would suggest you tell them that you are taking them on a field trip and take them to a hospital that deals with hanidcapped kids and let them see what these kids go through. Ask them how they would like to help these kids. Trust me they would learn a lot. Have your boys help them and if they don't want to, let them just sit there and watch these kids, your boys will come around. When you get home ask them to write what they felt when they visited the hospital. When they make special friends they will learn respect and you will gradually see the change. It is a lot of work and it is worth it.
One thing you should keep in mind, is that you should never raise your voice or show that you have lost your cool.
1 person likes this
@jillbeth (2705)
• United States
5 Dec 06
You really have your hands full! I raised stepchildren myself, so I know how difficult this situation can be. Kids most often act out to get attention, being yelled at is better than being ignored, in their minds. Whenever they are acting up, try to ignore them as much as possible so they aren't rewarded for their bad behavior. I know this takes a LOT of will power! And of course, you want to keep them from harming themselves or each other. Then when they are behaving nicely (if ever!), be sure to let them know that you notice, and praise them for it. Another method I used was a reward system, give them so many tokens each day, 5 or so, and each time they act out, take one away. At the end of the week, let them trade their tokens in for some reward (small toys, a trip to the park, or something that will motivate them). I would like to add that even though we went through some rough times, my own son and stepchildren (all adults now) are now my best friends.
1 person likes this
