Slap Me

I need a gun and I need it now. I'd like to just shoot myself and get it over with please. Oh wait, I take that back, not now, when I get back from Disneyland.

I need help and I am asking Dr. John and Betty for their help on this one. You raised children. HOW THE HELL DID YOU DO IT????????

Problem:

Belle (the daughter) is 12. All we ask of her is good grades, clean room and keep her own bathroom tidy. That's all. Not much - an occasional kitchen duty, i.e. mop floor, dishes, etc. So, WHY CAN'T SHE DO THIS???????

She has been grounded for almost three weeks now and constantly asks, "When am I going to be able to go out and not be grounded anymore?"

My answer, "When you learn to do what you are asked to do."

The kid doesn't turn in homework. She does it but doesn't turn it in. What the????

When asked to clean her room, she sits in there and pouts. Same with her bathroom.

Bigger Problem:

I told her she wasn't going to Disneyland. She told grandma who called me up and said, "If she doesn't go to Disneyland, then you don't go either. If she is being punished, then so are you as a parent."

My childish retort, "Why should I have to give up my vacation because my child can't do the simple things I ask of her????"

Am I wrong in doing this? My daughter received bad grades last year and my grandparents took her to Hawaii. I didn't want her to go but I felt powerless over my grandfather. However, I do have an advantage now because he passed on last October. I want this child to learn a lesson and to let her know that if she doesn't do what she is asked, then there are consequences to pay. Is this too harsh? Not going to Disneyland? Am I asking to much of her?

I gave her an incentive. I told her that if her report card has all passing grades and if she does what her father and I ask her to do, then she will go to Disneyland. However, if she refuses to cooperate, then we will go without her. Does this sound reasonable?

This sucks!