Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Sand, Surf, and All Out Brawling

We've reached that point in summer vacation where the kids are getting on each others' nerves. Where the mere sight of one another causes the other to SPEAK IN ALL CAPS at the injustice that they SHARE THE SAME DWELLING AND OHMYGOD WHY ARE YOU BREATHING SO LOUD!! Consequently, I've reached the point where I have to talk myself down from dealing out backhands across their heads like an old school Italian grandmother. In this house the eye-rolling, heavy sighing, and physical combat has reached a crisis. Where crisis equals mommy is going to lose her everloving mind. I've tried sending them to neutral corners, giving them chores and tasks to complete, and getting them out of the house with family fun adventures. The latter contradicts my responsible parenting belief: never reward negative behavior. Taking them to the beach when they were foaming at the mouth with each other just moments before loading up the car hardly gives them reason to behave properly. I mean, they get the golden ticket either way.

My goal isn't to encourage repeated negative behavior, but rather, to redirect their attention. You know, like with a TODDLER. Except in this case it lead to more fights and bickering with the lovely Pacific ocean as a backdrop. I've never experienced a less relaxing day at the beach. It's also hard to elicit some sympathy from your husband, who's been at work all that day, about your stress-filled day at the beach because, you know, at least YOU WERE AT THE BEACH!

If this keeps up I'll have to threaten them with back to school shopping. At least I'll be shopping.

7 comments:

Swirl Girl said...

only 48 more days until school starts....does that make you feel any better?

Manic Mommy said...

I am on vacation on Cape Cod. My husband is traveling for work in Texas. Our 10th anniversary is tomorrow. And my kids are driving. me. insane.

I feel your old-school backhand idea.

Unknown said...

We are still having a wonderful summer. I don't even want to think about school starting again..... Ekkkk, I am just imagining the traffic, and the schedules and the WORK! Can it just stay summer forever?

Suburban Correspondent said...

There might be something worth considering in those backhands across the heads, you know. 2 of my kids are bickering to such an extent that I may just start screaming and never stop.

JoeinVegas said...

Take a lot of pictures and videos, so in then years when you are moaning about the lack of kids you can look back.

{sue} said...

OMG, this is my house. Exactly. Except for the background of the Pacific Ocean.

I'm hoping it passes. We are only 1/2 way through summer break.

1blueshi1 said...

Heh. Am on my way to Old Navy now as have found out that son has to WEAR A UNIFORM TO SCHOOL THIS YEAR.