The barbies are gone

[SueC]

I hate it when I make big threats that I'm forced to follow through on. The girls were supposed to be cleaning their room and they kept screwing around, so I told them I would be throwing out anything Barbie if they didn't get their act together. Well, they called my bluff and now the barbies, clothes, and other paraphanalia are all in the trash. They are downstairs crying and trying to console each other and I feel a little bad. In the past I've allowed them to earn back stuff that they have lost in this manner, but I kind of think that is why they didn't take me seriously in the first place. What would you guys do--would you go soft and let them have some Barbies back or stick to your guns?

[PrincessFiona]

I would put them in a separate bag (not garbage...) and let them earn it back at a later time...but I'm sort of wimpy.

kris

[mommax3]

I would let them think they are GONE, but have them hidden somewhere and then give them back (all at once or a few at a time) for good behavior that you observe that is above and beyond, without them knowing ahead of time that there is anything riding on their behavior.

(I have done this before, but not with Barbies!)

Sally

[Sheherezade]

I recently told my daughter that I would take a toy she was complaining about and collect it to give to a more needy child. Suddenly, she didn't think the toy was so bad. Maybe you could tell them you are saving the Barbies to give to charity? That way, they wouldn't think they were gone completely - just gone for them. Then, you could give them the opportunity to earn them back if you think it is appropriate. If it doesn't seem appropriate, you could donate them somewhere. It might teach them to respect their toys - or somebody else will.

[SuzySunshine]

I agree with the make them think they are gone and let them earn them back but I'd keep them away for an extended period of time so they really think they're gone.

[Michele]

I like Sally's idea about not letting them know something was riding on their good behavior....and also keeping them away enough time that they thin they are really gone!

[SueC]

Thanks guys! After this weekend I'm realizing how much I SUCK!!! I think this weekend had me wearing thin on patience (dh has been on call for the last 2 weeks), so I do feel bad about bagging up all the barbies, and I think I'm going to let them be gone for awhile and then slowly let them earn them back. Even then, I'm not going to let them all come back because they have too many freaking Barbies (they probably have about 20 by now)!

Wow! You go girl! Love the 'hide them for awhile' thing ... but make sure it's a good length of time, or they'll keep pushing it (ummm.... I should take my own adivce!).