Wednesday, March 25, 2009

NO DOG!!

Ruby had a playdate with her friend Tabitha today. Tabitha just got a new puppy. and has a really cute chihuahua, and italian greyhound already. instead of praising her mom for letting her play so long, or comment on how much fun she had or how cute Tabitha's dogs are, all i get is--
"WAAAA----i need a dog---tear, sob, we have to get a dog!! im lonely , i cant live my whole life without one---etc, etc. 
ENOUGH ALREADY!!
oh the drama........what is up with this newfound 7 year old drama? she is totally acting like a teenager all of the sudden. with ultimatums, guilting, Bratty tactics. i am in disbelief. and i know what your thinking........probably that im too indulgent of a parent, or that i have been spoiling her or else she would not act like this. 
i promise----i have tried her entire life to NOT spoil her. to have limits, and discipline. 
im sure that im not perfect. but can someone tell me----is this just normal 7 year old behavior? 
i have heard a lot of other parents say that it is. but wow!! i need a plan people. 
someone tell me how i can emerge from this in a positive way?

8 comments:

Ashley said...

I totally know what you mean about NO DOG! Heber and I decided long ago that we will have no pets except maybe a fish, maybe.

I dont have any advice about Ruby, I dont have a 7 year old, but I am betting that its normal behavior. Just love and patience I guess.

We decided not to do the tubes for Q, but if he has another ear infection in the summer, then we will probably have to do it. We are hoping since it will be warm weather, he wont get any. The problem is our insurance company, it will cost us a fortune out of pocket and so we only want to get them if he really needs them.

I totally agree about the green food! my kids ate it, but Heber had a hard time, and I ended up throwing the leftovers away because I couldn't even get myself to eat it. haha...

The Allred Family said...

so this is what i can look forward to? i know Ella will be the same way- she already manipulates and pulls faces!

Anonymous said...

Just send her to live with me. My kids hardly pay any attention to my dog. And... yes my seven year old is about the same way!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Send her down to the docks to start unloading boats or catching fish. Then she could buy the dog herself and have company in her small one-bedroom apartment.

kateworthi said...

All I've got to say is: Ugh. I am thinking it's just getting worse everyday - so age 7 looks like a fun one. I'm looking forward to it... Ben is really into tormenting S lately. I'm so annoyed with kids getting older. Ugh.

Let's band together in the NO DOG ZONE!!! I know Spence will want one someday, and I'm determined to never let it happen.

Nancy said...

Okay we have been having similar issues at our house, only I'm the one that's been wanting a dog. I think I just really want a baby and since that's not happening a puppy sounds good, but only in theory. My in laws just got puppies and they are cute and a lot of fun, but I have to remind myself of all the work involved so I don't get one. You'll just have to let her play with her friend and her dogs so she'll get it out of her system. Anyway thanks for the sweet comments on my blog, I am very obsessed with material, so that book is probably right up my alley, and you look every bit the awesome hostess, I'm impressed with your cakes! So I'd be in good company with you. Did Becky tell you that we are coming to Portland for a Sister's trip on May 13th? We are staying for the weekend, so you should come hang out with us. We're trying to think of some fun things to do while we are there, so any suggestions would be helpful! And by the way love your jewelry, did you take a class for those little glass pieces? So cute and so fun, hope we get to see you in May, save some time!

Patti said...

Andrea and Ryan's kids all want a dog, too. They told the kids they could get one if they cleaned the dog poop up in their neighbor's yard for a month... for practice. It worked like a charm! ...still no dog.

As for the tantrums, have you tried "Love and Logic?" I learned alot about that when I worked in the elem school. It's about finding a child's "leverage", giving them options, and making them responsible for their choices. Blah, blah--I don't even have kids! But I did learned from teaching that you can tease a child into doing anything (make it fun) but as soon as you come down authoritarian, you lose the.

BTW, I just got caught up on your blog... Prozac for your cat?!?! I'm still laughing and want more details. Your jewelry is beautiful--I love mine. Also, for your 30th cruise, check out vacationstogo.com for good deals. Also, let me know when you go and I can maybe help with your kids. :) Hugs, ~p