Have just returned from a lovely long Easter holiday determined to sort out my rude, stroppy, bulshy, answering back 9 year old son.
He stressed me out so much on holiday I could have quite happily slapped him all day. He got away with one leg slap in the end, don't know how I managed it.
But reading an article the other day that said our children are what we make them, I have decided on drastic action.
The Game Boy, TV and Playstation are all turned off until his good behaviour is rewarded with a token for minutes of play. I read about this recently as another Mum has done it and her life has apparently been transformed.
When my son has behaved well, helped out etc I write out a small sheet of paper that says '30 minute token for Playstation etc' and give him two tokens to spend as he wishes. When he wants to use a token he gives it to me and I set the oven timer for him.
He is now finally finding other things to do with his time which I am really grateful about. He is also suddenly keen to please me and help out. Hallelujah!
If his sister is watching the TV then obviously my plans are scuppered but she usually wants to watch girly things and not the wrestling like he does!