What do I do?

**5ft Diva** · #1 07-20-2009, 09:55 AM

I'm feeling claustrophobic today. I have kids coming out my ears. The main reason for feeling this way is I have one child in particular that no matter what he does seems to rub everyone the wrong way. He is forceful. He's obnoxious. He's unruly. He's rude. And I think he's bored. I believe he's bored because he got himself grounded. So........what do I do so that all of us survive today? I'm not sure this question makes any sense, but if you've been here as a mother, maybe an explanation isn't needed.

Erudite · #2 07-20-2009, 10:43 AM

Totally makes sense. Does he have any hobbies? Can he do scout stuff maybe? Read a book? Clean the toilets?

I'm ready to have a sit-down with DS1. He's got the 13 attitude SO well, it is just a pain. He's been sleeping until noon (which I know he probably needs so I try to be patient) and when he is awake he torments the others kids. I want to shake him half the time. He's a good kid normally...sigh!

Let us know if you come up with a solution that works. I've suggested all of the above for my 13 yods and he just goes back to his computer.

**5ft Diva** · #3 07-21-2009, 12:10 PM

Thanks for your understanding, E. I really needed it today! (Some days are just like that.)

bookworm · #4 07-21-2009, 04:24 PM

Hahaha! I know exactly what you're saying, ladies! My normally very good 14-yo just picks and picks at the younger boys lately, and I determined he must be bored, so I've encouraged him to start attending basketball clinics at the HS (M-TH at 4:15, right over dinner time- MEN!), which include 5am weight training (not my favorite thing), and I'm also taking him to summer seminary starting this week- we're a little late getting into these things, but better late than never, and it gives him something to DO. He'll also be starting golf for the HS team in two weeks- well, hopefully.

I wish my younger kids had something to do, too. It's so hot, they don't like going outside, but that's where I believe children belong in summer!

I told the oldest today that next year I expect him to find some form of employment- mowing lawns, bagging groceries, whatever a 15-yo can do. I can't have him around this much if he's just going to make other people unhappy.

Sorry I don't have good suggestions, but I totally know what you're saying, Diva!!!

natickgirl · #5 07-25-2009, 01:10 PM

Oh, man...do I hear you on that one! My 12 yr. old son doesn't know what to do with himself when he's bored (which is often) so he torments his sisters. So frustrating! I've taken to leaving him home when we go do something fun if he's stirred things up too much. We don't want to be near him when he's like that! It's probably not the best option, but we do need a break now & then, and he needs to know that his teasing will not be tolerated.

BW - I like your ideas. I think young teen boys just need something physical to do ALL THE TIME! DS is fine when he's with a bunch of boys, it's just when he's home with his sisters that he causes problems. Sometimes I've actually sent him out to run laps around the house to get some of his energy out. Sometimes a good piano jamming session will do the trick. Anything to release the excess energy. If you have other ideas, keep them coming.

**5ft Diva** · #6 07-25-2009, 08:34 PM

Yeah, the physical thing makes sense. Our oldest has been teasing like mad since he got back from camp. We put him to work caulking the basement (his room) and haven't had a problem since. I think he just needs to be doing something and feeling like he's contributing while doing what he's doing.