You are to be congratulated for realizing that and modifying YOUR lifestyle. The problem with many parents is that they don't take into consideration the changes that need to be made to accomodate children. They simply drag them everywhere and force everyone to live with the consequences of the child not handling the situation.
To me, it comes down to knowing and understanding what NORMAL childhood behavior is all about. Young children have short attention spans and cannot sit still and be quiet indefinitely.
We could take our kids places because we took a few seconds to actively engage them in something that would interest them wherever we went. And had a ball with them in the process.
If anyone watched us in the car before going into a store, they'd probably think I was nuts. I'd tell my kids we were going to get all of our "Beggings" out before we went in. Then we'd all shout at the top of our lungs (me included), "PLEASE CAN I HAVE IT?? YOU NEVER LET ME!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE??????" for a minute or so.
While in the store, I'd point out things I knew would interest my kids - a sign with a puppy, a character on a shirt that they were familiar with, etc. We might even go near it and investigate it (touch it, hold it briefly). If they forgot and started to beg for things, I'd look shocked and say to the other kids "Oh-oh, it looks like _____ didn't get all her beggings out! Quick! Where can we catch it?" Then I'd open my purse or my sleeve and offer it for the child to whisper the rogue "begging" into the purse so it would be captured. A quick redirect ("I wonder what we'll see if we go THIS way?") and we could continue our journey through the store.
I had a million tricks up my sleeve and could generally pull my kids out of a "snit" before it had a chance to take hold. It takes a lot less time than battling them when they are so worked up that they're out of control.
“I had a million tricks up my sleeve and could generally pull my kids out of a “snit” before it had a chance to take hold. It takes a lot less time than battling them when they are so worked up that they’re out of control.”
that’s definitely a creative approach!!
A million tricks you say?
You oughta put it in a book. Somedays they have me so tired, my brain isn’t working...AT ALL!
Mygirlsmom, your post is terrific. I wish I could have been there to congratulate you.
I agree with scotswife that you should write a book about your experiences with seven children.
Oh, also, Mygirlsmom, I laughed out loud when I read your tagline.