Single Parenting Support Group
Today being raised by a single parent is not uncommon. About three in ten children live in a single parent home. The most common type of single parent home is one with only a mother. However, single father homes are the fastest growing type of family situation; 60% growth in the last ten years alone.
My 10 year old daughter refused to sit in the back seat of the car with her younger brother and older sister yesterday when we were comming back from the beach. She was mad because they were wet and sandy and she didn't want them next to her or touching her. She got out of the car to brush the sand off her bottom and refused to get back in. We tried ignoring her, begging her, sweet talking, then it gave way to chase.
I got out to try to talk to her about why she was being so difficult and she bolted. I didn't chase her, just followed her. She taunted me saying she wouldn't come because she just knew I was going to hurt her when she did. (all pure drama, because I seldome spank her) She ran up the hill to the roadside. I went back to the car and Dan (my boyfriend) drove to the top of the hill. She'd turned around and went back to the parking lot. I ended up having the sherrif on beach patrol talk to her. He must have been a dad himself because when he asked how old she was he got that understanding smile and said "oh, ten year olds!" Well, he got her to sit down and asked her what was going on, got her calmed down and then had me come and get her. She almost bolted but he gently restrained her. We got her in the car and she cried the whole way home. I told her she would be grounded and how dissapointed I was with her behavior. I don't understand why she acts this way. I feel like she may be testing me and possibly testing Dan to see how he will react. Any one with any suggestions??
I got out to try to talk to her about why she was being so difficult and she bolted. I didn't chase her, just followed her. She taunted me saying she wouldn't come because she just knew I was going to hurt her when she did. (all pure drama, because I seldome spank her) She ran up the hill to the roadside. I went back to the car and Dan (my boyfriend) drove to the top of the hill. She'd turned around and went back to the parking lot. I ended up having the sherrif on beach patrol talk to her. He must have been a dad himself because when he asked how old she was he got that understanding smile and said "oh, ten year olds!" Well, he got her to sit down and asked her what was going on, got her calmed down and then had me come and get her. She almost bolted but he gently restrained her. We got her in the car and she cried the whole way home. I told her she would be grounded and how dissapointed I was with her behavior. I don't understand why she acts this way. I feel like she may be testing me and possibly testing Dan to see how he will react. Any one with any suggestions??
I understand her not wanting to be wet and sandy I hate that beachy feeling after a long day of being in the sand. So that is a valid concern, but I also understand the dilemma. Where could you put her on the roof?
Try to catch her doing something good. Give her attention for good things and then maybe she won't need to be so dramatic to get all eyes on her. She may be paying more attention to the attention or privileges that her brother and sister get and not noticing what she too gets. So next time you do something nice for her, or take her side point it out to her. It will let her know she is important and she does not need to cause a mini crisis to get attention.