Hello I am a mother of 4 ages 4, 3, 21 months and 2 months. I am having a horrible time with my oldest 3 and destroying my house. They will wake up early and empty the contents of my fridge all over my house. I have gone through extreme measures to keep it tied up but some how they manage to get into it. And If they cant get into it they break into something else. It has been two weeks straight now and they have had a horrible mess every morning. I have no clue how to disiplinethen or how to stop this behavior. Please help me!!!
I do appreciate all the answers I have recieved. I know have a pad lock on my fridge that i carry the key with me at all times. Witht he layout of my house the kids rooms are upstairs and mine is downstairs I have had to start sleeping on the couch to catch them before the behavior starts. With the nice weather here outside play is always a good incentive for them to do what they have to get done. I have set up a "chore list" for the Oldest three children and they get rewards for doing their jobs. I think we are off to a great start. But any other suggestions are always helpful Thank You all so much.
A premptive strike is what this situation calls for.
You have to get up before they do in the mornings and engage them with breakfast and other activities. Firmly letting them know that pouring food all over the house is NOT an option.
Get them dressed and out of the house as soon as possible. It sounds like they have plenty of energy that would be best spent outdoors.
Good luck..
S.,
What have you tried so far in terms of prevention and consequence? I know Safely First sells actual refrigerator locks, toilet locks, cabinet locks etc. Have you tried confining them to their rooms with safety gates or dutch doors? It may sound archaic to some, but you have to do whatever works to gain control over your little bunch. I'm sure your 4 year old is very bright to be able to organize these raiding parties. Perhaps he or she is seeking attention since the new baby came along? I truly feel for you, but I don't think any of your children are old enough to understand subtle consequences. Perhaps the next time it happens, you should silently silently clean it up. Don't give them the reaction they seek. Put each into time-out, calmly saying that what they did was unacceptable. Cancel play dates, TV etc. Whatever you can stand to do without. Perhaps the older one will get the cause and effect lesson. If there is a morning you don't wake up to this.. celebrate!! Kids want to please you and get your attention. I hope someone has words of wisdom to help you through this, because although it's true ..I'm sure "this will pass" is not what you want to hear.
I am a mom of two girls, ages 16 and 12
Although I dont completely agree with the last 3 responses, I do agree with a combination of each. First I think you should buy appropriate child-proof locks for cabinets, toilet bowl, fridge, etc.. Keep everything dangerous high out of reach. 2nd..You should definitely be up before your children, there's no excuse for letting them run wild around the house without supervision. 3rd..you HAVE to punish them for their actions...starting with the oldest..and giving the younger kids punishments as well so that the older one doesnt feel singled out. the punishment should fit the crime. You should calmly, but firmly talk to them all together and let them know it is NOT ACCEPTABLE to do what they did and then lock them in their rooms for a short time (just a few minutes like 10 or so) without toys or anything to play with, and DEFINITELY seperate rooms from eachother. before you release them, make sure you ask them if they know why they were punished and let them know that there will be punishments from now on for any behaviour like that. If they do it again, a spanking might be in order. If they behave, reward them with a day at the park or going out for ice-cream. this is not just for mornings, but for all day consistent behaviour. You gotta show them who's boss and even put a little fearful respect into them. I hope this helps, it may take a little while, but you gotta stick with it.
Hi S.,
Is there a way you can put a gate up? Perhaps at the top of the stairs or into the kitchen? The child proof gates could keep a child out and if they can climb, try two, one on the bottom and one on the top. Sounds extreme but it's really for their safety as well. Or perhaps, come up with a rule that has big consequences about leaving their room before you wake up....
OK OH MY GOD! I just read "beat their little asses" i am sorry but that made me laugh. Serious or not....funny, funny.
Another word of encouragement, just try to be patient, it's hard and perhaps you can ask for help from someone a family member or friend (dad even) for a few hours of sleep. Sleep is very important for a mom otherwise you just might "beat their little asses"....really, see if you can enlist help to get sleep and perhaps be up before them....
I think you send the oldest one to school. and if that dont work beat them. I believe what your problem is that you had them too close together. so it hard for them to set examples for each other. i really do think you need to invest in some birth control. so you dont end up having all these kids at a young age and they end up driving you to the mental hospital. but if all else fail beat their little asses, they will think twice about causing a big old mess again. good look to you.
