Squirt, hang in there. I said and did some awful things at that age, too. My dad was pretty firm with me, unlike my mom.

Having been around boys a lot, they can do things that are horribly destructive to things or relationships and not understand what harm they can cause.

I kept my nephews on a short leash when they lived with me ( after learning my lesson, lol) and it worked a lot better. By sort leash, I mean lists of chores and a written schedule for the week. I withheld dessert, tv, and their favorite books if they did not meet their obligations. One thing I always did and still do with them, when they visit, is workout with them each day - a walk, a run, weights, etc.

I made them clean up dinner, trash, mop, sweep, vacuum, laundry, etc. Then I had more time to spend with them or they on homework.
















Last edited by Austin; 09/22/08 10:36 AM.