Welcome to General Chat - GAW Community Area
This General Chat area started off as a place for people to talk about things that are off topic, however it has quickly evolved into a community and has become an integral part of the GAW experience for many of us.
Based on its evolving needs and plenty of user feedback, we are trying to bring some order and institute some rules. Please make sure you read these rules and participate in the spirit of this community.
Rules for General Chat
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Be respectful to each other. This is of utmost importance, and comments may be removed if deemed not respectful.
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Avoid long drawn out arguments. This should be a place to relax, not to waste your time needlessly.
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Personal anecdotes, puzzles, cute pics/clips - everything welcome
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Please do not spam at the top level. If you have a lot to post each day, try and post them all together in one top level comment
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Try keep things light. If you are bringing in deep stuff, try not to go overboard.
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Things that are clearly on-topic for this board should be posted as a separate post and not here (except if you are new and still getting the feel of this place)
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If you find people violating these rules, deport them rather than start a argument here.
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Feel free to give feedback as these rules are expected to keep evoloving
In short, imagine this thread to be a local community hall where we all gather and chat daily. Please be respectful to others in the same way
I think that's a pretty terrible idea, tbh. I can tell you right now, that's only going to make things more combative. You don't want to start a war with your child
We've tried everything else. We will eventually find something that works.
Good points. But our thoughts was that (IF) we got him up at that hour; then he would be ready to go to bed around 7 or 8 with no problem; just like we do. And dimming lights and quiet time before bed wouldn't work as he shares a bedroom with 2 other brothers. All these boys do is 'fight' and 'complain' as boys do. It is an argument between them all from the time they wake until the time they go to sleep. I have never seen anything like it. These are my step-grandchildren as I wasn't a part of their lives until they youngest was 5. Their ages now are 8, 9, and 10. So they are at that close of an age where all they want to do is fight and argue.
They argue over who gets on the bus first, so now I have to appoint them days. I started with the oldest, then the middle, then the youngest. Then they argued over who got to bring the mail inside. So whoever's day it is to get on the bus first is who gets to bring in the mail. Then they argued over NOT wanting to brush their teeth. So whoever's day it is is the first one to brush their teeth. You have to 'buckle' down on them and beat them at their own game. So I have tried different ways to work things out for the better. It's just this sleep problem got the best of me this week so I cried out for some help. Thanks for all the suggestions I have gotten as I have written them down. God bless you all.
I’m raising my grandchildren. It’s tough. Hugs to you. My daughter teaches elementary art and is a Godsend. The issue is electronics. It keeps their attention span really short. He needs something to do besides the tablet or phone.
One hour at least before bedtime the electronics need to go into Moms bedroom. The last hour he can watch a movie ( not YouTube or cartoons). Something to calm him down. He can choose to read a book put maybe play legos.
When you are there try playing board games. My grandsons are 8 and 10 and love chess and poker. Piker sneakily teaches math but we will let that be our secret. Lol
Maybe he can help cook or build something out of wood even make cards for mom and Dad. Boredom is such a problem for a generation that is used to instant gratification.
I’ll ask my daughter for suggestions. Her method w have always worked for me.
Something she taught me is not to tell but to bend down to their level and speak softly. If you want their attention whisper in their ear. It works like magic
We all live in the country and there is a shortage of bus drivers so there bus has to do two routes. They get home around 4 PM in which I spend that time before their mom gets home helping him do his math. The oldest one doesn;t care about his grades because of the "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND POLICY' and the youngest does excellent in school. The 4 year old is on Nursery Rhymes as he is in Head Start. So the hard to wake ADHD one is the one I spend my afternoon/early evening teaching him the math that he has a hard time of comprehending. Tell your daughter 'Thanks' for the wonderful suggestions. The whisper and speak softly will most likely work.
She also said keeping the routine is a must even if it sucks for Mom a bit. Kids thrive best on routine. Also limit tablet time or make it be educational. My boys love board games and you can get them cheap at thrift stores.
You haven't tried everything else though. Just a few minutes ago someone suggested a more motivating and encouraging idea (the sticker system) that wasn't combative and you commented as if you hadn't heard of it/tried it
You are trying to use force and antagonizing tactics to get him out of bed. You need a totally different motivational approach
I also said that I WOULD SUGGEST IT to his Mother. No one said that I was trying combative ways of waking him. Only you. God bless and have a wonderful day my friend.
Yes, I know. That's great that you would suggest it. The fact that you're suggesting it means you hadn't tried it yet.
So stop trying antagonistic tactics like pots and pans and leaf blowers, and start suggesting more encouraging options. The sticker system is a great start. Keep thinking more on those lines.
Your reply to me was a combative solution though!
^ How is this not combative?