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I live in Chicago so I am not near you, but maybe you could point me in the direction I need. I have 3 children. 12, 4, and 16 mo. I am a stay at home mom that never seems to accomplish anything. My 12 year old is in school. The four year old goes to daycare everyday ( which I hate) so she can interact with children her age, and they do have some what of a preschool program, and the 16 mo. old goes to daycare as well (which I also hate). The daycare was brought into our lives because I could not find a way to keep the two of them entertained all day, and take care of the house chores, ( do not like having the house a mess, and no place for the children to have a play room), do all the errand I have to do without lugging them both in and out of every facility, not to mention trying to keep control over them while in a store or an appointment. My husband doesn’t know what to do. He doesn’t want to clean, he works then has his agenda he needs to attend to. I am overwhelmed with the kids. Speaking of mother, I even have my mom coming to my house everyday to help pick up around the house, dishes and laundry, and that’s because I have to try and do everything else. My husband thinks I should be able to get is all done without having to hire some one and with out the kids in daycare. Can you tell my maybe what it is that I am looking for..housekeeper/ parenting coach? etc… The baby is terrible already. He never listens to me, throws his food all over the table, has tantrums, so I basically just keep him in the playpen while I am doing other things around the house, otherwise he is in a heap of trouble. I can’t take my eyes off him or his four year old sister. Thanks,

Debra

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Hi Debra

There's a lot to respond to in your letter. Given that I am only going on what you've told me, there are a number of things that stand out. Please understand that I have to be direct in order to be helpful. The first thing that stands out is that when your kids are home, your whole household sounds out of control. You are unhappy understandably because your kids are not home and yet when they are, you still feel at a loss as to how to cope. I think there are a number of reasons for that. The first is your expectations. Children need to explore their world. They are messy, noisy and from an adult's point of view, constantly tiring. No matter what you do, none of that will change. Kids take an enormous effort and what you put in is what you get out. If they have no outlet for their play, they will be difficult as their fundamental needs are going unmet. Play is vital for their normal development, as is your interaction with them. Right now, both these areas are lacking. You restrict your interaction with your children because their behavior is challenging but they are being challenging for a reason. They want you. You are their mother and you hold a special place. Right now, it's probably hard for you to see their behavior for what it is. They are behaving like this to get your attention and the more you deprive it from them, the worse it will get.

Now take heart, you can change this around. It's not too late but it will require enormous effort and it won't be easy. You have to really ask yourself what you want for your children. I'm sure like most mothers you want what's best for them. I can also hear it in your letter. You hate being away from them but right now you're not sure how to cope. With the goal of taking the youngest of day care completely and having your four year old just in play school (morning or afternoon) let's look at the areas you need help with.

1. Organization: This is an area you need help with before you take them out of day care. Get realistic about how tidy a house can be with kids. A housekeeper won't help much because the change has to occur in you. If you need help to try and get over this need to have a super clean house, then I would encourage you to get it.

2. Routine: Kids need one. You need to get out a large sheet of cardboard and write out a schedule, firstly for the weekends. Let's start with them because your husband will hopefully be home to help you. Every child need at least one daily physical activity period whether it's a trip to the park or a swimming lesson or running around the backyard playing games....two is better. Then, they need a place for independent play, craft or quiet activity time, naps, snacks and mealtimes and story times as well as the grocery trips and appointments that you have. Start their bedtime routine at least one hour before bed. Restrict tv before bed and let your kids enjoy a fun bath and story time. Your schedule doesn't need times, just the order of the day and it can be flexible.

3. Pay attention to the kids. Not all the time but as often as you can. Really get down on their level and look at them when they talk to you. Hug and often. Use gentle touch when they are upset.

4. Find things that your kids are doing well. That might be tough to start with but scoop them up and congratulate them even if they are standing around for a moment, taking stock of where they are. Find things to praise them for but don't make them up. Praise is the biggest and most effective motivator for change.

5. Get Dad involved. Raising kids is not a one person job unless you have no alternative. Get him to help you make out the routine and offer support. When he comes home at night, encourage him to get stuck in. You could make bath and story time his opportunity to give his kids that special attention.

6. Work together. Be on the same page with your expectations for your kids behavior and how you're going to get there and be consistent.

7. Arrange for a regular time off period. All the above will take it's a lot out of you in terms of energy. Make sure you have a night or two a week or an afternoon or whatever to renew and look after yourself. Give yourself one day on the weekend to sleep in if you need it .

8. Enjoy the skills of your mother and the experience she comes with. She's shown herself willing to help and I'm sure she has much to offer beyond dishes.

9. Get involved in activities where there are other moms. They can offer a lot of support to you as well as playmates for you children.

10. Read as many of my other letters as you have time for. They will give you lots of practical suggestions for mealtimes, bedtimes etc.

You may find additional parent coaching helpful depending on how things improve for you. I hope this has helped you out. Best of luck.

Annie

Date Entered: 2007-01-27 19:50:01.0
Date Last Modified: 2007-01-29 10:52:24.0

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