Crime and Punishment

Tonight I was a single parent again. Since my husband is a farmer, there are often times that I am on my own when it comes to taking care of the kids after school. Today was one of those days. It is April, and with April comes warmer temperatures which also means my husband is planting corn or moving cows around. Add picking corn to the list for this year.

Last year was particularly weird because, normally, we are finished picking corn by November 1st. Yet, we didn't finish until three days before Christmas. Then the Christmas blizzard of 2009 hit and there were a few rows of corn that had to be left out in the field. Needless to say, my husband is busy this spring now with trying to finish picking corn from last year and then plangting corn for this year.

Since we have 6 children, there is often never a moment's peace in the house until bedtime. I took a moment to change the baby and boy number 2 (John) decided to clean boy number 3's clock (Jack). Granted, Jack perhaps may have egged it on (this is the case in most situations), but John layed him out flat on the floor. The consequence--immediate supper and then to bed with no television.

Claire and James (boy number 1) also had lost their television privileges because they decided to watch the satellite this morning instead of getting ready for school. Those two were in bed early too because they argued the no television consequence.

I know I have grown harsher with punishments, but the nice punishments were not teaching them anything at all. I figure, if I get them were it really hurts (watching their fun shows) maybe their behavior will change. We have a time out or naughty bench, but honestly, it only works so long. I have one son who sat there for three hours (he gets his stubborn streak from his father). Super Nanny did teach me a few tricks.

I'll have to let you know if it works. Tomorrow will be the first test. They don't need to leave for school until a little before 8, so things will not be so rushed like they are on Tuesday's and Thursday's, so we will consider it a practice run.

I kind of wish life was like a practice run. You could have so many redo's per year or something like that. I'm liking that idea a lot. Just push the reset button if there is a glitch.