Lack of appreciation reached breaking point...

**Inertia** · February 2nd, 2010, 01:18 PM

My kids fail at appreciation. Dreadfully. We are hardly "pov" and they do not go without on basics, treats and affordable stuff, but when you say no to something silly like a DS or a mobile phone with coke and fries, they get all uppity and snippy at us..

The camels back copped one straw too many the other day when as per usual, my children, asked to clean up their own mess, started the usual job designation fight. Miss A as always takes over and gives herself the easy job and assigns everything else to everyone else, causing a circus parade for me of younger kids coming in to gripe about Miss A. This is followed by me going to talk to Miss A and her whinging about every thing the younger ones do, up to and including the fact that they are breathing...

This time I looked at Miss A and advised her that she had better find a way to get along with everyone because she will be living with us for some years to come... To which she spits at me "Unfortunately"

I was naturally floored by this venom laced statement and didn't talk to her for several hours while I calmed down. Then I asked her later to please tell me real reasons, not teenage drama induced reasons with ample evidence to the contrary, why its so unfortunate to live here. She hides behind "I dunno" and eventually we get "we yell at her" out of her but I am sure she has a lot of silly ideas in her head about how we dont give her all the cool crap in the world...

So DH and I have decided to take the kids to Retro World, New Millenium Style. We are taking away all the extras they get... Bare necessities only, just like when we were kids. I've hidden her laptop, there will be no access to the computer, all but the FTA channels are locked on foxtel... They want an afterschool treat, there is vegemite in the cupboard. Thirsty? Drink Water.

For now its just for a week, but if they still have no recognised how much we do do for them that we have absolutely no obligation to do, then it might stay for an encore.

Wish me luck!

***TripleJ*** · February 2nd, 2010, 01:22 PM

wow ur strong good luck xoxox

**kawazuki** · February 2nd, 2010, 01:34 PM

totally understand where your coming from, we have same issue with DS at the moment.

your very rbave, and good luck will be waiting to see hwo it turns out.

i think we need to do this with DS as well. turn off his computer, take away the ipod, only entertainment will be reading adn his imagination.

school lunches may become boreing as well i think,

you have given me some food for thought.

but i agree some children these days have no idea of just how lucky they are adn how privilaged they are.

**Muppity** · February 2nd, 2010, 02:41 PM

I didn't live a deprived childhood one little bit and these were the staples that we had:

* no TV during the week. There is a yard - use it
* get home, get changed, clean school shoes, wash lunch box, do music practice, do homework, feed chooks or dog, set table or bring washing in from the line (depending on which week it was)
* school lunch consisted of two pieces of fruit, sandwich (usually vegemite) muesli bar and a bottle of drink (occasionally a popper)
* if you were hungry when you got home you knew where the fuit bowl was (no way you went near the biscuit tin unless it was offered) and there was always milk and water in the fridge if you were thirsty.
* dinner was always sitting at the dining table and it was someone's turn every night to lead the conversation generally starting with a something interesting that they saw/learned/thought during the day.

I kind of wish that I could bring up my kids the same way - but I think that society will be working against me

**Glamourcide** · February 2nd, 2010, 02:50 PM

F. Yes.

Excuse my French, but you go, mama!! Miss A will biatch and moan for a whole week, and then she'll probably thank you when she wakes up to herself

That is an ace way to put your point across. Best of luck with it, I really hope it gets the results you're looking for! Keep us posted, please!

**MrsFabuloso** · February 2nd, 2010, 03:56 PM

I think it's a great idea! Good luck with it all. I would love to do something with my DD, but she is only 2 3/4! She doesn't understand the concept but I wan't her to learn now. I have no idea how to teach a toddler appreciation and gratitude!

**Inanna** · August 4th, 2010, 06:45 PM

You have my wholehearted full support & "I get ya sister's"...

**Chamberry** · February 3rd, 2010, 09:57 AM

Good on you!! Keep up the good work..

**Freya** · February 3rd, 2010, 11:33 AM

totally awesome.

**LionsandBears** · February 3rd, 2010, 01:13 PM

I think what you & your Dh are doing is great. Maybe showing the kids how the other half live may help too. Here's some interesting shots of kids not so well off:

Delhi construction | Delhi's slave labour shame | Herald Sun

**kitten2b** · February 3rd, 2010, 01:26 PM

what a great idea

**Inertia** · February 3rd, 2010, 01:30 PM

Day 1: HOOOOOOOOOOLY HANNAH! We should have done this ages ago.. They didnt fight with each other, and they went to bed at bedtime without so much as a "But mum"!!!! Quietest night I remember since the night before I went into labour with Miss A, lmao.

Miss L had a bit of a spit about not being allowed her usual spaghetti after school and DH has had his own whoops moments where he bought them a couple of bottles of soft drink and yoghurts today but the drinks will keep and we'll see about the yoghurt.. So far so good... but its only been 24 hours....