Summer vacation…how’s it going?
Mine… It’s been a week and a half so far. I’m over it. And I feel bad saying it. But it’s been a rough week. Lots of tattling and arguing and whining. And the kids are even worse than I am. 
Today Shelby was complaining that Matthew was following her around the house. Ironic, I thought, because she is guilty of doing the same thing to me (as are the rest of them).
The reward system is waning in its effectiveness, they have earned the big reward they wanted and seem to think that chores are optional now. Which puts me back into the role of threatening and begging them to do their work. They still do it. It’s still better than without the system, but still… I want the blissful first days where they loved the whole idea. I know this is ironic only five short days after my post raving about "the system." I still love the system, it’s just not as blissfully helpful as it was in the beginning. Still very helpful, though, so I’m not going to abandon it.
We’re out of food and I don’t dare to attempt a trip to the grocery store with all of them. But by the time Dave gets home from work, I’m too exhausted to attempt a trip to the store. But it’s becoming desperate, I’ll have to go today no matter how tired I am by this evening.
On the bright side, we’re getting in lots of swimming and lounging time. I’ve read a couple books so far. And we have air conditioning this summer (it was broken last year) and I’ve never been more grateful to be a modern woman. If for nothing else, I’m happy I don’t live a hundred years ago just so I can sit in my air-conditioned house. And at the same time, I do love hanging out with the little buggers.
So, yeah. Summer. It’ going to be long.
9 Comments
Hey you! i was just thinking about you today - long time no talk! WHohoooo for air conditioning! Wish I could bring the kids over for a dip in your pool! I have no advice…because, well, usually I get my advice from you! Camp, perhaps? ; )
I feel like your post came straight out of my head! My 3 kids and I have been on break now a month and it has been busy and LONG and yet I hate to think about school starting too. Today was a killer - lots of whining, tattling and me threatening. I know exactly what you are going through. Tomorrow I am taking my first “day off” in six years. My husband has a vacation day and agreed that he would watch the kids. Amen! Going to the scrapbook store to hide out. First summer I am not attached to one of them (nursing) so it should be possible to be away from the kids for one full day.
Well I am joining you in kid filled bliss now! Alex and Calvin had preschool and summer camp in June but they are home for the whole month of July full time. Lots of trips, and lots of nagging, whining and fighting too I’m sure.
Shannon-a 2peaer here who lurks and sometimes comments. I am trying your “system” - today was the first day. I taught and used a “system” with my students with emotional handicaps. Have to say it is working, but…they (all four of them :)) are exhausting me with the earning and spending…in,out,in,out.
Honestly, I missed having all of them watch one show TOGETHER, so I gave them a “freebie” show before bed. My oldest is attempting sleeping in her own bed for the first time in a loooooooooooooong time. Three of them sleep together in my son’s room(mind you, they all have a bedroom). She gets 5 tokens…if she can hold out all night! My tv addicted son only redeemed two half-hour tv sessions and two computer sessions-believe me, that is an improvement. I’d send you my version if I only knew how to e-mail something from Microsoft works, I know…sad, but true. So thanks, we’ll see how it goes. They all really want that date with the ‘rents! Kimberly
longtime lurker here…do you have a grocery store you can have deliver to you? Vons just started on-line shopping and they deliver to my door and remember my “must have items” when I go to order again.
LIFESAFER I tell you!!
I’m right there with you. Our system has lost its popularity, and my 8 y/o has now declared she doesn’t care if she gets any tokens whatsoever. So I’m about to dismantle it and go back to yelling, begging, grounding, and being miserable.
When does school start again??
Yep, it’s going to be a loooooong summer! What good books have you read? I am always looking for good recomendations.
Me, too.
Thank you! Thank you! for posting “the system” I implemented with my boys and it’s working out so well. No saving for the big prize but it cuts down on the whining and when they’re out of tokens, they happily toddle away to play with their neglected toys without a peep