Enough Already

Okay, there is one downfall to having a child that's so smart. Sometimes they are too smart. I mean smart as in shut-your-mouth-before-I-have-to-slap-you-in-it smart.

I subscribe to the 65-35 method of parenting. 65% old school and 35% new school. I realize that we are living in a totally different time than when I was a child but at the same time there are some things that will never change:

1. Children have no business in grown folks business!
2. Children should not talk back and/or disrespect their parents.
3. No negotiating with children. It makes them think they have the upper hand.
4. No telling children to do something 3 and 4 times.
5. Spankings help children see their options a lot more clearly.

I incorporate these old stand-by's into my daily parenting routine because of the simple fact that I have a FOUR YEAR OLD asking me questions like, "Why do we have to always do everything you want?" "Why can't I get to choose when I go to bed?"

I have NO patience for stuff like that!! I suppose I could get down on his level and say something like "because Mommy knows what's best for you" or "because Mommy wants you to get your rest". But I prefer that old adage "BECAUSE I SAID SO". You give these kids an inch they want to take a mile! I don't want to set a precedent that everything is up for discussion!

I don't know if it's hormones or what but me and my little MISTER have been bumping heads a lot lately. I've got to nip this in the bud with the quickness before Baby Girl's arrival. So I have been known to walk around the house with a belt over my shoulder to let him know I mean business however I never get to use it ;-( because all it takes is one word from his father and he's scrambling and tripping over himself to straighten up his act!

I think that he will probably end up being a lawyer because not only does he ask questions- and I'm not talking about typical inquisitive kiddie questions- he ask questions directly related to him getting what he wants and he has already developed this ability to make you second guess your answers so that he can prove his point which is- THERE IS NO REASON I SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET MY WAY. I pray for him daily that he does not become a victim of a back hand from his hormonal mother. If he's starting this mess at FOUR. . .I'm thinking he better have a back up plan like where he can go and live by the time he's TEN because I ain't having it!