Posted by rainbowbrite on March 2, 2005, at 13:13:05
In reply to My Children are Lazy, posted by AdaGrace on February 28, 2005, at 18:26:43
Just thought Id barge in, Not a mother but rather your children, well metaphorically speaking. Anyway, I still am a slob in my twenties and it is so difficult to beat. For me and this may not apply to your situation but it also may and then maybe my disaster can be of soem use??
So my mom was rigid about cleaning, It was always a fight, ALWAYS! And I was always told I was a mess. But the problem was it wasn't untill teen years that the responsisiblty was put on me. I never learned to pick up after myself EVER. So as ateenager and wanting my space, I banned anyone from touching my room, OK so it stayed a mess. And the kitchen, well I would mess it up just by cleaning it so I didn't even try. Instead of being asked to clean I awas told NOT to make a mess. To me there is an important distinction. Not knowing how to do laudry on your own, sweep the floor and mop, well lets just say its a problem when you get on your own.
So the moral of my story is.....did you start out like my parents in doing everything becasue you wanted it perfect and done quickly? Also do you expect too much? And now that it is as far as it is, can you lower your expectations, I realize you are living in a disatser, but when you ask for help can you ask for less? (just to get the ball moving) Aslo as you know consistentcy is so important, talk to your husband arg! That would make me crazy. If I were in your situation, I would be a mean mother (poor rains kids) I woulod get a lock on the room that has the computer, video games etc and ONLY allow the kids to use it for school purposes. Take away allowance, that should drive them nuts and if your husband cleans up they should still not get it. How long can they go with no money, as a teen I couln't have lasted. I would also remove the TV so they can't watch it and I would STOP cleaning up after them, so I guess thats your husband...hmmmm anyway I hope he starts to get sick of cleaning for your sake and theirs
good luck
rain
sorry if I sound extreme, jsut some thoughts.
poster:rainbowbrite
thread:464578
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20050226/msgs/465460.html