J.L.
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Hello Fellow Momies,
I am 34 weeks pregnant with my third son and am challenged with disciplining my other boys. I have two 3 yo and 5 yo boys who are really starting to test me. My typical form of discipline is to make sure they hear me by touching them and then I also countdown from 3 when they're not doing what I expect. Now they're starting to test me such that when I count down they don't move since I'm stuck on the couch. Or they are in a different room fighting and I can't do anything but yell. Needless to say, I'm feeling defeated as a parent and could use some suggestions since I hope to be horizontal for another 6 weeks and also would like some respect since I deserve it and a newborn will be coming home soon.
Thanks for any suggestions!
-K.
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That''s tough. Maybe you could keep some books, toys, little puzzles, etc. with you on the couch, and when they're misbehaving recognize that they might need a "time in" with mom. Rather than punish the misbehavior, use a strategy of redirection and invite them to join you for a story time.
That has got to be tough, especially because if they know they are doing something wrong they are not going to come to where you are. My husbands back gets really bad sometimes and while he can get up and down he can't play with the kids like he usually does. They would get frustrated because they just wanted to play. We sat them down and talked to them and let them know that daddy has a really bad ouchy and that they need to be good and careful so the ouchy doesn't hurt worse. Our son understood, and our daughter just does what her brother does so getting one of them to understand helped them calm down and play better. Our son kept asking him if he needed a bandaid but he acted better.
We also will tell him he's making mommy/daddy sad when he isn't minding. It doesn't fix it all, but it also helps a bit. I can't wait until it stops raining so he can go outside and run and play and get some energy out. Good luck.
I'd make the misbehaving one sit in timeout next to me on the couch. I always find that when my 5 y o little boy is REALLY testing me, he most likely straightens up with a little "discipline" talk and some hugs. Yelling never works on him. In one ear and out the other. Also, boys are all about motion. Sit them in time out and take away their ability to move and it usually does the trick. Good luck to you, Mama!
Maybe daddy can give a helping hand?? or a family member maybe?? kids need boundaries-with you laid up-they have none...good luck
Oh my goodness, K., I've always wondered how moms do bedrest when they have other kids. Impossible! Is there any way you can get someone else to watch the kids at least one day a week? Do you know anyone that would be willing to come over and play with them for a few hours a day? Is day care during the next 6 weeks an option at all?
All I can say is, I feel for you. I think it must be very hard to be on bedrest with 2 other kids, and I'm sure they're taking full advantage of the fact that you're stuck on the couch. Kids! :) Best of luck to you and your baby.
Amy
