Thursday, March 24, 2011

So Mistreated

My 17 yr old thinks I'm mean, and I mistreat her.

Why do you ask?

Because she has a CHORE!

*gasp* God forbid *gasp*

Its not a list of chores, like we had when we were little. It is just ONE thing, and it needs to be done 2-3 times a week. All she has to do is clean the cats litter boxes (there are 2). Yeah, its a stinky job, but its not a hard job, especially if it is done on time. That's it, one easy, yet stinky job.

For doing this job, she has the privilege of a cell phone, with unlimited text and calling. She agreed she'd do her job, and keep it up for this phone when we got it.

She's become a major slacker, and has barely done the litter boxes even once a week. When I remind her she gets all pissed off, and has a temper tantrum, and usually says some very bad/disrespectful things to me. Then she runs off to her room and slams her door.

Every time, she brings up the fact that her younger sister doesn't have to do any job. This is true. But, her younger sister does not have a phone. If she did, by golly she too would be doing something for it.

Maybe, I should give her younger sister a chore or two. Then give Kelsey a few more as well....she does have a phone to work off.

I'm so mean.

I get so annoyed at her hissy fits. She should feel lucky she doesn't have a list of chores like most of us have had growing up. My brothers & I had dishes to do, vacuuming, dusting, the works! My kids have it easy!

My husband who pays for the phone, wants to shut it off. No chore done, no phone. I've held him off for a while now, but I think maybe its the only way someone will learn.

Toodles

7 comments:

Elliottsmama said...

I love Kelsey but she needs to do even more than just the litter box. And Jilly is old enough to do something too...

Dazee Dreamer said...

I'm just, wow.

For Heavens Sake! said...

I agree with Cindy and Bill.
you are way too easy on the girls.
And the first time they don't do their chores, take away privileges for a time or even for good.

Get tough!

For Heavens Sake! said...

one more thing....ANY time Kelsey mouths off with the bad language, etc. that should be a deal killer.

Joanna said...

I agree with everyone else, if you don't take it away like you said you would..she has no motivation to do the chore.

She should think herself lucky - my 10 year old and 9 year old both have chores. 10 year old does dishes and 9 year old takes the trash out. They both do their own laundry and are expected to keep their rooms clean.

If they don't do their chores, they immediately lose privilages of their TVs and/or computer until the chore is done.

I have to agree with Bill - the phone should be turned off. She should NOT be disrespecting you..that should definitely warrant some form of punishment.

She's old enough to be pulling some weight around the house - especially if you're paying for a phone. Cleaning a litter box? You're much nicer than I am...my kids would love to have it so easy!

Lisa said...

Yep, I say the phone goes off. My oldest is 13, and he thinks the same way about his younger brother. I tell him if he wants it to be equal, I have no problem with knocking his freedom down to his 7 year old brother's level. And I shut his phone off a month ago and haven't turned it on since. The respect level of kids these days is ridiculous. There's a general sense of entitlement (at least in my house). What I would do is shut the phone off and not give it back until she does her ONE chore, on time, every time, for at least a few weeks.

Tammy said...

I agree with everyone who has posted. I adore your kids and they know it BUT Kelsey made an agreement and she's not living up to that agreement. Just like in real life, if we don't pay our bills, like a phone bill, they shut us off. Her form of payment is that chore. If she does pay by completing that chore, her phone should be shut off.

As for mouthing off, that should NEVER happen. It is completely unacceptable behaviour and that alone should be grounds for losing the phone, maybe even permanently.