Consequences for Bad Behavior

In addition to having the flu last week, while recovering I also had to ground three out of four of my kids. I've obviously grounded them before but never to this extent. I took everything away from them and am making them earn it back. By everything, I mean, texting, computer, videos, television, sleepovers, and whatever else is a privilege and not a necessity. Last week was a difficult week which isn't unusual for many families but I've never had my kids act THIS bratty at once. I think part of it is my daughter is almost a teenager and when she takes "that tone" with me, it's like nails on a chalkboard and I get irritated right off.

I am so not looking forward to the teenage years. My stepkids are teenagers but they're long distance so it's not a day to day thing. I can see all that the ex is letting my husband's son get away with and it amazes me that a highly intelligent boy is allowed to almost fail in school rather than give consequences. It's not like we can do much about it. It's her way or no way. I could send her family relationship books. I'm sure she'd appreciate that. Not.

My husband thinks the teenage years will be easy for our son but not so easy for our three girls (for us and our son). He said he was going to take our son out of the house once a month to get him away from all the hormones. He thinks he's funny. I'd like to get away from all these hormones too! I can't run away from them though since mine follow me.