At home today with DD 5 and DS just3. I am always very clear about what is allowed and what is not, and, if appropriate, why. At the moment all of this seems to be an open invitation to do exactly what I have told them not to do.
I know this is normal, and today they have been normally good and normally naughty until bedtime when I had gone upstairs to get their room ready, and come down to find them climbing onto the work surface right next to the cooker. They know they are not supposed to do this. DS was told off earlier in the day (sent to room for a minute or two) for reaching up for a pack of eggs on the surface so I'm sure they have recent knowledge of the rule. I'm afraid I totally lost it with them and screamed like a mad thing. It was probably really scary and horrible but also probably less so than being burnt.
I seem to ask myself more on more frequently how on earth I am supposed to keep them safe if they simply won't do as they are told. I could probably put a lock on the kitchen door, but I can't prevent every single potentially dangerous thing. The other day I found DS balancing on the back of the armchair which I have told him a million times not to. I can't lock that away.
Isn't it really the case that they just have to learn? And how do I teach them without screaming if they just won't listen.
What would you have done?