My little sisters?

Question

so i talked it through with my 13 year old sister alexis and she finally started behaving again but i think alexis's bad behavior from before rubbed off on my 7 year old sister mackenzie. we both tried to talk to her but she just doesn't listen. when mackenzie is very disobedient like this (eg. using the microwave w/o permission, going to her friends house after school w/o calling or letting me know) my parents would spank her and alexis thinks i should but i have never spanked her before and not sure how to or even if i should.

Answer 1

I'm thinking 7 is a little old for a spanking.  Not to mention that if you don't have your parents' 'permission' to spank her, you probably should not.  You have more impact on her being a sister - you can talk to her about her behavior and consequences, etc.  Set up some clear guidelines on how you expect her to behave, tell her what the consequences will be (ie you'll take away her favorite toy for the rest of the day, or no phone or tv priveleges for the rest of the day if she misbehaves in whatever way).  Good luck - tough job.

Answer 2

If time-out isn't working, try something that will hit a little closer to home.  Make her go to bed 30 minutes early, or take away some TV/Video game time.  Whatever it is that she really likes, take it away for an hour or a day (depending on the item and the seriousness of her misbehavior).  Realize that she is testing you.  You're in charge while Mom and Dad are out of town, and she wants to see how much she can get away with.  Stick to your guns, and it will be okay.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I do not think it is wise for you to start spanking your sister.

If she will not listen, make sure your parents have a sharp conversation with her to let her know that you are in charge when they are not home. Ask them to give you the power to give her time outs if she breaks the rules, and if she still doesn't listen, then they should discipline her.