Parents is this a tendency with demanding children?

Question

Parents,

Do you find you tend to discipline children more for being overly demanding?

How do you deal with children that demand a lot and require so much of you even when you have no more to give? What do you do when you have no more patience because your patience as been "maxed out"?

I am an Aunt but I am like a second mom to my nieces and nephew, Their mom is my sister and a single mom so it is not easy and they do test to see what they can get away with ALL the time.

What is your take on this?

Answer 1

I think that children tend to test you and if they are overly demanding it is only because they have gotten away with it for so long. Off course kids will be kids but unless they are made clear of who the boss is....this will carry on and only worsen. I speak from experience my son is very demanding and i know it because i need to practice what i preach. Also while working at a pre-school for a few years you learn to know how there little minds work. You dont have to be mean but let them know where you stand.  

Answer 2

The simplest answer possible........ WELCOME TO PARENTHOOD!!!!

Thats what parenting is give give give... and when you think you cant give anymore ...... keep giving!  At times you will feel like the kids are sucking the life right out of you. But dont worry there is a light at the end of the tunnel.... They turn 18.  Not that that stops much but it makes it less of your responsibility and more of theirs.

Answer 3

So much depends on the age and maturity level of the child and the circumstances. If they have had plenty of attention I think any but the smallest children can understand when you tell them you need time out for yourself  because you are feeling mean and grumpy and not to talk to you for a while. I used to do that when my kids were small and they usually would give me a break. I had to remind them at first that they needed to pretend I wasn't there because you aren't supposed to talk to someone who is in time out but they did learn.

I also would shut myself in the bathroom for a couple of minutes and take some deep breaths. My sister used to go brush her teeth. I guess it distracted her from all the hassles and her bad mood.

Something else you can do is keep a couple of toys or games that they love just for those times when you desperately need a break. If they don't have it all the time they will consider it a treat and leave you in peace for a short while.