Wish Lists...

Having five children inevitably comes with many demands, most of which are expected. Lately it seems the older they all get, the more they demand. I guess it is partly because our little ones can communicate much better now. Every commercial they see always has something in it they absolutely need or they might just die!! I hear their little feet running down the hallway to tell me about the newest and hottest toy. Out of breath they are trying to convey to me how much a new La La Loopsey would mean to them or a new Cars 2 race car set!! This is one of the many reasons they have a limited amount of t.v. time. Of course they are not handed everything they want at the moment they want it, it is reality after all. Demands are not just specified to toys however. These little ones demand food, and lunch had better be ON TIME I tell ya!! If they happen to be served something they don't care for, it feels like WWIII is taking place in my kitchen! I think to myself, "do they not know who I am??", because this mother in no way shape or form stands for that behavior! Since our boys have come along, our "time-out" chair has more action than ever! That chair probably wishes it could have earplugs also, since it has been the scene of many a melt down! When they said patience is a virtue they weren't kidding! Whomever they are? (Probably someone who never had children!) The list of demands grows with each passing day: drinks, what underwear they are going to put on, what book we will read, who gets to play with what superhero (dudes), where they sit at dinner. To some this may seem like these little guys are simply particular and know what they want, but to their mother, it feels like a constant argument...not to mention exhausting! Why all the negotiating?? I am so sick of hearing myself talk, I can only imagine how my kiddos feel?!? Having older children as well, I have found that the negotiating continues, but better listening skills on their part does help a ton! We are in the middle of negotiations as we speak, with Apryl, she wants a phone. And I quote, "I am the only one in my grade with out a phone, so I should have one!". Last time I checked, Matt and I parented by our rules, not her friends' parents rules. So, she will get a phone when WE find it necessary, that goes over like a lead balloon! Her list continues, that girl wants everything under the sun! Another thing about the older ones is that their wishes are much more expensive and name brands are the only options available! Their demands also include going places now. So, being so burnt out from going and going, we have a four day weekend this week and I already let them know we are NOT doing anything!! I need to relax and hang out. I think I will write a list of demands for them to fulfill over the extended weekend, and if they are done they will get to continue having a roof over their heads, dinner on the table, water to shower with and electricity to watch their favorite shows!