[ODDITHER]

These people remind me of 4 yeaar old spoiled children.

One time when my daughter was four, I told her that she had to help clean and organize her toys and sort out the toys she had outgrown. She didn't want to give those toys up even though she had not played with them since she was a toddler.

She threw a temper tamtrums and when she saw that not only was she not going to get her way but would be punished, she ran into the bathroom and locked the door. Then she wouldn't come out because not only did she still not want to clean her bedroom, but she was afraid that I would "arrest" her.

But alas, I had two things on my side, both she and I knew that she was wrong in the way she acted but that locked door while protecting her from me, kept her from the TV, food, and all of her toys.

I just got a book to read. sat down in the hall and waited quietly.Evntually after calling my name and getting no answer, she came out. I promptly took her into custody, and she spent the rest of the afternoon in her room, with little negotiation power over which toys to keep.

Spoiled children must learn that temper tantrums never work.

[Gracey]

What a wonderful lesson you taught your daughter.... tough love. It's what works. It's what gives kids a sense of security, knowing that their parents follow through and mean what they say. Too many parents would have caved in early on... teaching their children that tantrums pay off. You're daughter will appreciate you as she grows older.

I've learned from my children (when they were older) that they don't mind being punished. They understand firmness as long as it is FAIR... and children know when it's FAIR.

Good for you.