Jun 19th, 2007
S.O.S.
I keep trying to get away and blog, I really do…but I’ve taken on two new children for the week. It’s all I can do to escape for a few seconds and try to hide…
The 5 year old girl that is here is very “precoscious.” I’m a little intimidated by her demands. I don’t want to be an evil witch to our guests…but I think I need a little bit more respect from this girl. Advice? I’ll have her and her 18 month old sister (who’s an ANGEL) for three more days. Plenty of time to practice.
I’ve taken to gating my dog in the kitchen. She keeps looking at me like she wants to get out and see what all the rucus is about. I tell her “believe me, you DON’T want to be out there! I’m doing you a favour!”
I’m hoping this week will help pay for the dent I’ve put in our funds…BlogHer is coming up quickly. I can’t wait!
Good Enough
Wow…I’d be going mental were I in your shoes. Five year old with attitude? Best chance is asking her opinion about things. Sometimes the attitude comes from a desire to be noticed and respected…wanting to be a “grown up” too. Even if she’s being a total twerp, sometimes giving respect, even undeserved, is what it takes to get it.
Godd luck–that sounds tiring. I have found that modeling the behavior I want our visitors to use helps. Show her how you want her to get your attention, ask for something, etc. have her practice it, wait until she does it correctly, and then give her LOTS of praise. I promise it works!!!
Demanding kids are the worst… and when it’s someone else’s kid, that makes it harder. Usually when we have visitors I apply the same rules to them as I do my own kids. And I just explain that it’s a rule at our house. If she knows the boundaries to begin with then maybe she won’t be quite so demanding.
Wow, such good advice.
I would say that this is a little girl that is used to being in charge.
Give her choices. Just make sure the choices are palatable to you.
Example:
Demanding Girl: I want cookies!
You: I don’t have cookies, but I have popcorn or Junior Mints. Which would you like? You get to choose.
Demanding Girl: I will have Junior Mints. Thank you very much, you are such a nice lady. I am sorry for my tone earlier. I think I need a nap. Will you show me where I can lay down?