I think kids start much younger with the smart mouth and a lot probably depends on what they know they can get by with.
We were having waffles and bacon for breakfast. Addie likes to sleep late. I understand . . I do too but Oscar does not! 🙂 I’m usually up before 6 and it’s rare that Oscar is awake before that so I can’t complain.
We always have a late breakfast (10 – 11), then eat again around 3 and that’s it.
Addie likes to sleep downstairs so about 10 this morning I went down to wake her up. It’s hard to stop cooking, run downstairs, get past Oscar’s little fence, wake Addie, get back through Oscar’s fence, back up stairs to the cooking. I had the waffle batter all stirred up, the bacon defrosted and ready to cook, the plates and silverware out and on the counter, the syrup on the table.
So, I woke her just as I was getting ready to start. After all, it takes about 5 minutes per batch for the waffles to cook and the skillet was already hot for the bacon so not much longer for that.
Me: Wake up! We’re having waffles!
Addie: Not wanting to wake up What time is it?
Me: Almost 10. The folks who get up at a NORMAL time are getting hungry.
Addie: OK.
Me: C’mon! Get up. I have to go cook the waffles.
Addie: Wait! You woke me up and they aren’t even ready yet?
Me: Yes, because once I start cooking, it’s hard to leave the stove and come down to wake you.
Addie: So, it isn’t REALLY time to eat yet?
Me: If you want waffles and bacon, I suggest you get up, brush your teeth, get to the kitchen within 1 minute after I do, set the table, get the juice out of the garage fridge and stop complaining.
There was lots of huffing and puffing but she did exactly as I asked. It’s a good thing she was talking to me and not to Vince! 🙂
Nelle Coursey says
Teenagers! This sounds mild compared with what is to come. But you need to stand firm! They know what the limitations are and if they don’t want cold food, they will do what you say! Just like training the dog!! LOL
Kathy Chiocca says
Sounds about right. My 2 granddaughters are almost 10 and I can see it coming.
Its a good thing I love them both so much.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Yes, and I can send her home. I really feel for grandparents raising their grandkids. We would all do it if we needed to but it is work. Addie is really good and not a lot of trouble but between Addie and Oscar, I am tired in the evenings.
Cilla says
Good Gramma….consistency.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I want her to always know that respect is not an option . . it’s going to happen and I get to decide what’s respectful and what isn’t. Later I explained to her that sometimes when she’s joking, I may take it as disrespect and we just have to talk through it.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
That’s for sure and it can be hard!