Need your two cents

[Robynn]

My kids, ages 13, 11, and 8 love to squabble...especially if I am on the phone, with a client, or in the middle of something.

My 13 (almost 14) yo loves to pick on the younger ones, who coming running to me. I tell them they are old enought to handle it properly, but they don't...not in my idea of a christian way. they hit and yell and I swear they are looking to get each other in trouble.


We are trying to adjust to my living with chronic fatigue, which may have themthinking they can get away with murder, and has made me lose focus.

And ideas? Scriptures for me, or them?
Thanks!

[stephwhiz]

Robynn I know that must be trying :( . When my kids squabble it always seems to be when I'm on the phone too. My kids are 5 and 9. What works with them right now is to take things away from them like not letting them watch TV or not letting them go out to play. Your kids are older so this may not work for them. I also let them "build up" to special treats like if they have good behavior and help with the chores for a week then they get some allowance money to spend when I take them shopping. That works sometimes too but sometimes it doesn't.

I'll be praying for you!!

[pioneerchristianmomof3]

It is a universal kid thing...almost every mom I know has this trial. If my kids are rude when I am on the phone, they lose a privalidge. It seems to work for my kiddos.

[PBJ]

My kids are 16, 15, 10 & 7 and boy do they do the same as ya'll have said. But, for me going back to work has helped me. BUT, I just traded listening to them whine to listening to grown ups whine. :lol:

[GabrielsMommy]

I hear you. I have two step sons 14+almost 16 they lost their mother at a young age and never had anyone at the house to teach them proper manners or how to behave or not behave. My husband was tired at the end of the day, and felt so guilty about them losing their mother that he gave them everything they wanted, and let them get away with murder. he tried to discipline but never followed trough consistently. I'm sure everyone here knows it is not an easy job. it is sressful and takes alot of energy. Sometimes you end up punishing yourself it seems. I'm not sure what advice I could give, every child is different and has to learn a certain way. I would pray fervently, if you have a bible study group or a group of women at curch I would also ask them to keep you in prayer. I was recommended a book to read from my bible study group leader. It has amazing things to say and you may find it helpful. It is called Shepparding a childs heart by Tedd Trip
Shepparding A Childs Heart is about how to speak to the heart of your child. The things your child does flows from the heart. Luke 6:45 puts it this way, "...out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. " Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepparding your childs heart into the paths of life.
Tedd Trip draws on over twenty years of experience as a pastor, councelor, school administrator, and father in giving this valuable help to parents.
I hope that bit can help explian this book. You should look into it. My prayers are also with you.