My 8 year old, LB is very intelligent. At least when he is focused and motivated. In other times, he uses his brains to get around the system. I sometimes will get “hoovered” and try to explain to him what is right. I found out these things do not work for them.
They “zone out” after a few minutes. The chances they will do a task that you abhor is so high. Statistically, the chances are I would say 100%.
Yesterday, I decided to go grocery shopping. Just as I was leaving another kid told me that LB has invited his youngest brother to watch a movie. Since he knows that he is not allowed to watch a movie without supervision, he is trying to con his younger brother so he can watch one. I was just in the driveway. I just closed the entry door. That is how fast he acts.
I called him. I did “reverse psychology”. I told him “LB, please watch a movie when I leave ok?” He said ” No Mom, I should not be watching a movie, this is not allowed.”. I said ” You can talk to your brother and just com him so you can watch a video.”. I was surprised that he knew all the house rules. I can’t believe it. So what is the problem then?
I think it is his lack of control. When he wants something, he needs to have it. He has not developed that aspect yet.
Yesterday, I felt relieved that spending 10 minutes to reaffirm your expectations worked but it did only because it was something unexpected. Something, they have not learned yet to get around.
This is when it gets emotionally draining.
