Consequences

Ugh. The older my kids get, the harder it is to parent. I've been struggling lately with giving my kids appropriate consequences for their inappropriate behavior. Generally speaking, I try to give consequences that makes sense. For example, if the kid spills something, they clean it up. But it's not always that cut and dry.

The consequences I've given have varied greatly. Here are some we've tried:

1. time out in the corner

2. time out in their room

3. spankings

4. hot sauce in their mouth

5. chores (cleaning the living room, etc)

6. taking away toys

The problem is that I'm a softy--at times. I mean, you have to pick your battles. Otherwise I would be reprimanding ALL DAY LONG! Plus punishing your kids often means you are punishing yourself because if you take away something they like, you have taken away their entertainment. That means you have to not only listen to the whining, but find something else to entertain them. I swear it's more agonizing for me than for them.

Don't get me wrong. I have good kids. They are just your typical kids. They get sassy at times. They whine. They even hit and push each other. They're just kids. Is it really possible to get rid of this behavior, or is this just part of growing up? I feel like a broken record. I mean, how many times will I have to say, "Don't jump on the couch" before they finally GET IT????

So what have you found as an effective means of punishment? Because so far, I pretty much stink at this part of parenting.

For the Grandparents

I've had some requests for more pictures of C...from grandparents of course! Here are some recent pictures. Isn't she cute? We love her, love her, love her!!!

She LOVES her baths, especially with the running water on her head. :) She completely relaxes in her baby bathtub. So cute!

Arizona

I am so excited about this post. G was recently offered a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ! He'll be specializing in Musculoskeletal Radiology. We won't be going there until June/July 2011, but I am so excited to know the final piece of our medical training puzzle!!! :)

I have heard great things about Arizona. I'm not worried about the heat. I grew up in the Central Valley of CA, so I know how to live in 100+ heat. I am a little worried about snakes and scorpions, but I guess it's no different than dealing with black widows here in Sacramento. :) I'm told Scottsdale is a great place to live. I have never been to Arizona, so I'm a little nervous about going somewhere new. But I know it will work out. After all, it's only for a year. I can do anything for a year. :)

We still don't know where we want to settle after fellowship (when G is finally a "real" radiologist). But at least we have 7.5 years done, only 2.5 years left, and we know the ending point. YEAH!!!!