Most moms don’t have an overabundance of rules, no matter what our kids might think. Generally we just want them to take care of themselves, their chores and other people. Still, there’s something of a learning curve, which is how we end up doing things like pleading, yelling, purchasing cases of wine and hiding alone in various closets.
Sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge to get kids to adhere to whatever rules we’ve set out for them, no matter how basic they are, like keep your armpits clean, and maybe don’t punch your sister so often. Lots of people call it a “power struggle,” but that can seem like an understatement. “Battle of wits” is more like it. And when it comes to long-term strategy, these moms have got the upper hand.
Hit them where it hurts
There’s no doubt about it, if you want to win a power struggle, you’ve got to have leverage. And if you want leverage, sending kids to their room is no longer a perfect solution. After all, that’s where the devices are. So take away the Wi-Fi password like this mom did, and see how quickly your kids fall in line.
Short and sweet
Sometimes all it takes is a short, to-the-point directive with a fat, juicy carrot on the end like this one.
Skills
This parent found a useful way to remind their children that if they don’t get their act together, something very dear to them could get… taken.
A little realism
Of course, it’s important to be realistic about how tech savvy you actually are. Face it: Our kids could probably crack a Wi-Fi password in no time flat. So if you’re not sure you have the skills you need to wield more carrot than stick, do it old-school-style like this mom.
Your texts are numbered
Here’s another old-fashioned way to remind your kids that you literally have the power.
Contribution counts
Mi cereal es not always su cereal — sorry, kids. At least this mom found a way to keep things square in the pantry.
Santa Claus
Who says you have to limit Santa correspondence to December? Or to pen-and-paper missives?
Pay to play
How many times have your kids promised to pick up their toys? How many times have you actually gotten something out of it?
Not so fast!
Well, this is one way to get your new driver to lighten up on that lead foot.
Trashed room
One mom took it to the next level when she bagged every item in her teen girls’ messy room and then sold it back to them for the low, low price of just $25 a bag.
‘Get along’ shirt
So what do you do when familiarity breeds contempt between siblings? Get them even closer, of course!
Grounded
Groundings just make kids surly. Keep their minds off of how pissed they are with a list of chores and a way out of trouble!
Tooth fairy trouble
Sometimes kids are more likely to listen when it isn’t a parent speaking. Sometimes they’re more likely to listen when their hard-earned dental dollars are on the line.
Ultimate scavenger hunt
Now imagine the kid cleaned the whole house, and there was no hidden money?
Trickster texter
Of course, a text will do you no good unless you can be absolutely sure your kids are actually getting them. Here’s a great way to check.
Oh, yikes!
Finally, there’s this note, which hits the mark on so many levels. There’s just one thing we don’t really understand: Not wanting Justin Bieber decor is one thing, but My Little Pony is a damn good show.
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