Monday 16th April 2012 - Life gets tedious, dont it

The subject line is the name of a song made famous in 1948. The name of the song? Life Gets Tee-jus, Dont It?
Around here, life don't get a chance to get tedious.
So, what are we doing about our little problem? It gets difficult when a major part of the problem only manifests itself at home and then normally against one person. I think that I am part of the problem, but not all the problem. I have undermined Stephanie's authority with the children by jumping in to back her every time she correct the children. With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, I should have left her to tackle the issues and encouraged her. By stepping in, I made it worse. So I step out unless Stephanie needs me. I go outside or some where else. It is hard to watch a child deliberately and openly defy her mother and and not do something about it. Remember it is one child, not all three. This is what makes me sure we have a very problematic defiant child on our hands, who absolutely refuses to see reason, no matter what the cost. The problem is worse when I am not home and even worse after school.
So, first port of call is professional help. That has been started. First appointment in the morning. That will start the process of diagnoses. That will identify the problem and who, if anyone, has the problem.
Secondly, we may have to instigate home help for Stephanie to manage the children in the afternoon/early evening until I get home and/or the children go to bed. That may mean after school care or a nanny or a baby sitter for around 2 to 3 hours. This will help Stephanie in those crucial couple of hours whilst she is cooking the evening meal and they all eat. The nanny/baby sitter will be able to assist Stephanie in what ever way she feels she needs.
The only other way around that problem would be for me to give up work and become full time carer or stay at home dad. I don't feel led to do that or equipped to do that.

Jayco Swift

This is our new toy. It is a Jayco Swift. For some time I have wanted to go walkabout again. I want the children to discover a love for the great south land we live in. It is a country of huge contrast. Six months ago we purchased a Mitsubishi Challenger 4X4. The caravan, although it is called a camper trailer, will enable us to go places without huge expense.
We looked at camper trailers but chose the Jayco as being the best option.
Till next time