Nagging, and how to deal with it.

[itsalarf]

My DC are driving me crazy with their nagging. They nag, I say no, they wail, they ask again, I say no, they wail, they nag some more, I say no.." and on it goes. Giving in is not an option, although it is tempting and would be easier. Any suggestions? They are 7 and 4.

I am pretty strong on not giving in to be honest. I might possibly say "no" to often as a reflex action when it might be ok to say yes every now and again. I am terrified of the consequences of being a mother who never says no, and of having spoilt children!

my technique is to be quite harsh.

If my dd nags about having cake from the cupboard, I throw the cake away. If she nags about having an icecream when we are at the beach, we go home. If she doesn't get up on time for swimming on a saturday, she has to miss another club and make up the time.

you get the picture! It has worked really well. I have been doing it since she was about 5, she is now 9 and is teaching her little sister the rules. I havn't actually had to throw anything away for ages, just remind her what will happen and she stops nagging.

I try and avoid the 'automatic no' so rather than saying yes or no I'll put differently.

i.e I want a cake/banana/whatever when tea is just cooking - I'll say ''I'm cooking dinner'. Likewise can we put a DVD on ' not at the moment' or 'yes, but later/tomorrow' (I make sure I give them a specific time frame too)

Will try the throwing away, as it is often food related nagging!

Not boredom, possibly attention seeking if I am busy.. It is one of the DC in particular with the food nagging, not both. But I am also a firm believer that they have to entertain themselves sometimes. Maybe it is hunger!