Inertia it is alot to do with Corban thinking he is soooo much older and wiser so therefore he is the boss. Its hard for him I guess because we do use him as an extra pair of (parental) hands when needed. Like asking him to take Scout for a walk while im trying to get dinner sorted. We make sure he knows how much we appreciate it and I guess he keeps that "hat" on even when not asked to.
Exactly the problem here. I mean Angie is only 11 months older than CJ, but it doesnt stop her acting as though its 11 whole years. Sometimes I feel like I have very little to no control over her anymore and the only way to get her to do what *I* ask is to lose my temper, so I can't imagine that its much fun for the young'ens. Its the start of teenagerdom and we are doomed.

I have tried not to be too harsh - I remember when I was moving into the teenager realm, I was a rotten unbearable cow to my younger siblings. I love them all to death now and would do anything for them, but back then - woah, I was horrific.

Thats the thing though - I regret being that way. I have no idea why I was, they never did anything really wrong, I was just mean and nasty for no particular reason. I doubt Angie and Corban know why they are doing it either - but I would hate for either of them to regret it when they are all adults as I do now. I mean, my younger siblings have 'forgiven' me for it but it is still something I have to live with.

And yeah, I have tried talking to Angie about this point as well but it just went in one ear and out the other - like most things these days. Blah.

Right now we also fine them for fighting - fine them WiiDollars - and they use the wiidollars to pay for time on the games machines and computer, or trade them for real money - so having to pay it in a fine is ouchy for them. Unfortunately, they arent always happy to do the chores to earn them so its hard to fine someone who hasnt earnt a thing. Blah.

Just gotta keep trying.