My house is a mess.
Again.
So this time I decided to try what some of you have been suggesting and I picked up some of my kid's things and put them in a big green garbage bag. I then told my kids that if they wanted their stuff back they can either pay me for their things or they can work to get their stuff back by doing chores.
So far the dishwasher has been emptied, the back hall closet was been tidied and two bathrooms have been cleaned. I've given back one hockey jersey and three toys.
It's working for me.
I've also been told I'm mean.
Yep. That's me - Mean Mama.
Now I just have to go and get some ear plugs so I don't have to listen to all the grumbling that's accompanying the chores. Once I can't hear my kids complain everything will be good. Quiet, tidy and good.
Mean Mama.
I could get used to it.
I'm Leanne and I'm a tired mama. I work, I parent, I juggle and I don't seem to get enough sleep. Welcome to the place where I rant about all these things...
I Think 'Mean Mama' has a nice ring to it. Or, better yet, an awesome blog name! Hey if it works - keep on keeping on Leanne! You. go. girl. :)
Posted by: MamaGeek | February 05, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Earplugs - good move....glad to hear it worked so well...
Posted by: suburbancorrespondent | February 05, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Are you the same Mama that missed them the other night? Isn't it funny how many different emotions we can feel in the course of a week and even a day regarding our kids.
KEEP BELIEVING
Posted by: Angie | February 05, 2008 at 10:55 PM
You go, Mean Mama! I'm glad it's working for you, because too often my kids declare that they don't care. I'd like to think it's a reverse phychology employed on me, but when weeks go by and they never miss the things I've confiscated I begin to realize they meant it.
Posted by: Karen | February 06, 2008 at 07:59 AM
I love the idea that they have to do chores to get their stuff back, I think I will have to be a mean Mom too.
Posted by: jennifer | February 06, 2008 at 08:26 AM
I love the idea that they have to do chores to get their stuff back, I think I will have to be a mean Mom too.
Posted by: jennifer | February 06, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I think your idea is a great one, not a mean one. Well, your kids may not agree with me, but us parents do!
Unfortunately, being considered "mean" is just part of the job. But I am sure you will accomplish what your goal is...to teach them that there ARE ramifications if they do not take care of their responsibilities. That is a wonderful life lesson as well.
Posted by: Irene | February 06, 2008 at 08:27 AM
What a great idea! Every evening my living room looks like Toys R Us threw up in it. I will try this and be a "mean mama" right along with ya!
Posted by: GoMommy | February 06, 2008 at 09:25 AM
You and I have very similar blog-design taste.
You may be a mean Mom but you're also a genius. Kudos!
Posted by: Julianne | February 06, 2008 at 10:40 AM
I get told on a regular basis that I am a mean mom. I usually just agree with them and walk away. Some how they get over it when they want something, then all of a sudden I am sooooo cool and they love me.
Go figure?!
Christina
Posted by: Christina | February 06, 2008 at 11:23 AM
By the way, I've added you to my blogroll! You are fun to read! It's funny how being a mom you can sometimes feel so alone, but then you read these blogs by other cool women and know there are many others in the same boat!
Posted by: GoMommy | February 06, 2008 at 11:47 AM
What a mean, mean mom ! He, He I love it. We are planning similar strategies after last night's battle. Maybe you heard it !
Meanmama.com is available go for it.
Posted by: Meanies on Donessle | February 06, 2008 at 12:19 PM
I honestly cannot wait until my children are old enough for me to employ this tactic! I am so tired of cleaning up toys, and they don't really understand the concept of having their toys disappear - though a forced time-out generates a pathetic stream of "I pick-up, I pick-up, I sowwy, I pick-up!" Break my heart!
I say keep-up the Mean Momma - it's a small price to pay for a clean house!
Posted by: Nicole | February 06, 2008 at 01:01 PM
I don't think your mean, I think you're smart! I may just have to try that tactic.
And just like GoMommy, I too have added you to my blogroll. I relate to you quite well.
Posted by: Lynette | February 06, 2008 at 01:29 PM
You and every other Mom who makes their kids do chores :)
I recently read an article where the Mom gave the kids chores and they would forget to do them so she gave them a time frame and if it wasn't done she would do it and they would have to do one of her's. I will have to try these both!
Debbie aka The Real World Martha(S)
Posted by: Debbie | February 06, 2008 at 02:31 PM
I need to employ this tactic with the Husband's stuff, after I buy ear plugs, of course.
Posted by: Burgh Baby's Mom | February 06, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Your kids may think that you are a mean mama, however I hold the title for the meanest mommy in the world!
Posted by: Lynn | February 07, 2008 at 12:35 AM
I've never heard that before, but I LOVE it!!!
I think I will be trying that this weekend... Perhaps with a deadline? Such as, if you don't pay me (in whatever form) by a certain date/time, you don't get it back at all....
Did they actually know what was in the bag?
Posted by: Cindy (aka kini) | February 08, 2008 at 05:07 PM
You can't be the "Mean Mama", that's my title!
Very kewl...I may try this with The Pickle and The Rock Star.
Posted by: Beth | February 09, 2008 at 10:38 AM