Hello everyone,

My gbg trips are now 4 years old. However,instead of their behavior becoming more manageable, they seem to be getting worse. My son seems to be the worst when it comes to tantrums. My husband and I bought the "Magic 1-2-3" video for disciplining children 2-12 and for the most part the method is working; however, the problem comes when we are out in public. The minute my son does not get his way, he throws an all out tantrum (could care less who is watching) and the girls whining drives me insane! Most of the time our shopping experience ends abruptly with me taking all of the kids to the car and going home for a time out or taking one of their toys away etc. When my husband takes them places they are angels. What is the deal?

I want to take them to the zoo and the park, etc. this summer, but dread that our fun days will turn into a nightmare. Any suggestions for dealing with this type of behavior in public? Will the day come when I can finally take them places on my own (without having to bring others along to help)without them misbehaving and me sweating and having hotflashes (no I am no menopausal either)during every trip?

They are involved in preschool 4 days a week, so they are used to getting out of the house but they misbehave there as well (that's another story for another time)

Don't get me wrong, I love them dearly, but sometimes I feel like I am going to loose my mind and they are going to get the upper hand!

Thanks for listening...

Tina
Mom to Hannah, Faith & Adam (12-8-99)

Tina,
I think that this is just a very testing period for the kids.Ours are close in age and we have some of the same problems.My kids are definatly better behaved for my husband than for me,but he has not fine tuned his blocking out ability.They know they can get away w/more w/ me b/c I tune out the first 10 min of a tantrum.I think that consistancy is the big key at this age.They have to know when they misbehave that you are not afraid to pick up and leave the store,zoo ....
Preschool here is a big issue too!My DS sounds like a teeneger....I don't want to go to school!!!!I usually have a bad report on him at least 1X a week.It is something that I have gotten used to.(not a good thing I am sure)
Good luck,I will be watching for the words of wisdom also.

Becky
SAHM~
Emma,Amber,Ian 8/18/99
Olivia 9/29/00

Becky
Realtor in Ohio and Indiana
Emma,Amber,Ian 8/18/99
Olivia 9/29/00

Tina- mine are close to the age of yours as well. We're having the same behavior. My DD is throwing tantrums in the grocery store on every single aisle wanting me to buy her something! And I have NEVER bought them stuff in the grocery store! I never did cause I never wanted them doing this! Oh well. Now before we go in ANYWHERE, we have a talk in the car about me not having any money today so I can't buy anything for them. We will have to wait until Dad takes them- and that works!! they fully believe I have no oney even though I am buying stuff in the store for the family (necessary items). The talks ahead of time really have helped.

I also do 1-2-3 Magic. I love the method. But I tell you- I think 4 is an obstinate age & they just have to go through it. I believe that a magic button will be pushed right around 5 years & this will all begin to wane. I told my husband the other day- I could be very permissive this year- overlook everything & just let them act out & I swear all of this bad behavior will stop on it's own time no matter what I do. Of course I would never do that but that's how out of control it feels at times.

Unlike yours, mine are misbehaving with others. Like my husband & their one & only sitter. I think they are very comfortable with the sitter & DH & don't put on their charming behavior for them anymore.

So- you are not alone- mine are acting out too & we do time out most of the time. Sometimes I am ust too tired & I pick my battles. I just keep thinking that when they turn 5 this will all be better.....

Their is a flip side too- I LOVE their conversations right now - the stuff they are saying is priceless! So there is fun & hilarious times- just a little frustrating as well.....


meplusthree BBG 9/99

meplusthree BBG 9/99