Should 6 year olds be sedated after 7 pm?

[RevCheesehead]

The whole family is together for the weekend, and Mom & Dad's 2 bedroom apartment is the gathering space. My niece is a drama queen, who always needs to be at the center of attention. I love her dearly, but a little of her goes a very long way.

Help me!

[mykpart]

1. Slip her a little Benadryl to help her avoid allergic reactions!

:)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. Benedryl's great stuff...

hehheh

[haydukelives]

69. one of the side effects of

benadryl is paradoxical excitation, increased in children.
use with caution

[Beausoir]

72. I learned that the hard way!

My pediatrician said I could give my toddler a dose of Benadryl while we were on an overnight flight to Maui. WOW! What a mistake. A normally low-key, mellow kid turned into a curtain climbing maniac.

I feel badly about it to this day. I would never EVER again drug my child.

[fight4my3sons]

74. Does that to my kids too.

I also learned that the hard way. When my son got stung by a bee in the house when he was 18 mos old. He was pretty hepped up for a while. I am not even trying it with the twins!

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. Fuckin' put her in her place. You're the one with authority.

And I mean that in a more gentle way, but I'm tired and cranky, so can't be very diplomatic. But for god's sake, you're the minister, you know how to tell people to calm down and stop being assholes in a diplomatic and decisive way. Use your authority as an adult and as a minister.

[RevCheesehead]

3. There were five adults here tonight.

And believe me, my brother is an expert at that sort of thing. But I've never met a more stubborn, determined child (or adult, for that matter). Willfulness doesn't even begin to describe her.

Why are you cranky, Rabrrrrrr?

[Rabrrrrrr]

14. I think I'm cranky from lack of food

no real meals at all today, and I'm tired. But I'm eating the last of my Ultimate Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Italian Sausage and some sandwich meat and cheese right now, and I'm getting less cranky.

And that child needs to be broken like a horse.

[RevCheesehead]

18. 'tain't my kid... otherwise, I would.

Both parents are introverts, and somewhat passive in nature. I can understand that, but geez - isn't there a time when you simply have to let them know who's in control?

Glad you're eating.
But really, how on earth are we supposed to know when you're cranky from not eating, vs. your everyday curmudgeonness?

[Rabrrrrrr]

19. Because when it's from not eating or other low energy problem,

I will say that I don't have the energy for a proper rant/response.


And I agree - whatever behavior this child has, is due to the parent's giveaway of their authority to the child. Sad.

[WCGreen]

34. Why should they be any different than all the other

parents I see who want to be their child's "friend"....

Instead of parent...

[RevCheesehead]

38. What else can you expect from Freepers?

:evilgrin:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. How about pulling her onto your lap after she's given

a bit of a performance, and saying something like "You are quite the character, kiddo! Do you know what I'd like to hear about next? I'd like to find out how your dad's job is going..." while looking at her dad.

When the conversation gets boring, she'll probably go off to play with something more interesting.

Just a thought...

[RevCheesehead]

6. If only it were that easy!

Last year, we distracted her with "find the elf." Mom has those old rag-doll elves, and we hid them around the apartment to keep her busy. This year, she had them hidden, and met me at the door. "Aunt Ruth! You have to find the elves NOW!" :silly:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

8. Yep, She's a bright one alright.

No chance of bribing her with a movie?

[RevCheesehead]

11. She had the friggin' Disney channel on.

"The Princess Diaries." She watched about 1/4 of it, and got bored.

True story:
At the parent/teacher conference this year, the teacher began by asking my brother and SIL "have you ever noticed that Sarah...." and they both said "...Likes to take control over everything?"

This is a well-formed personality that challenged them even before she was born. (and for the record, nobody on our side of the family is even remotely similar in behavior!)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. Is Sarah aware of it?

And of how it makes people feel?

Does it interfere with her ability to make friends? Maybe she does need to be gently told, "That's enough now."

[RevCheesehead]

32. She is very much aware of it.

And I think as she gets older, it will cause her problems. I'll be working with her on learning how to empathize (one of my strong points).

Ah - kids. I love them, but I love my cats more. :)

[madeline_con]

42. "... learning how to empathize ..."

You realize a lack of empathy can lead to a sociopathic personality, right?

Also, any of this kid's undesirable behavior, barring a brain dysfunction, is entirely the fault of the parents.

[RevCheesehead]

45. That's kind of scary.

You should see some of the looks she gives her brother. :scared:

[xmas74]

16. Sounds like she and my daughter should get together

and fight it out over who will be in control. Her teachers say the same thing.

[RevCheesehead]

20. That would be interesting.

She's definately an Alpha personality.

She told me she wants to be a teacher when she grows up, "because teachers get to tell everybody what to do." Her backup plan, if that doesn't work out, is to be a princess.
:rofl:

[xmas74]

73. My daugther wants to be a teacher too!

Her backup plan is doctor because everyone (and I quote): "Has to be quiet and listen to the doctor. Then you have to do what they say or else."

At least we know of two very strong willed young women who will not let anyone get in their way when they are older! And that's a rarity in this day and age.

[RevCheesehead]

75. Ah! A kindred spirit!

Then you know. :hug:

[xmas74]

76. I know exactly what you are going through.

But I have to deal w/ it every single day! One of her preschool teachers last year referred to her as a "dictator in training".
I hope she stays the same and doesn't let anyone push her down. But gosh-she's so damn bossy sometimes!

[Omphaloskepsis]

7. Bite them a few times..

j/k

But this sicko decided it was the proper thing to do.
http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2005/12/30/news/01children.txt

[Jamastiene]

9. Why wait until 7 pm?

Slip her some benny (as in benadryl) now. Hehe.

[RevCheesehead]

22. Thankfully, they have returned to their hotel.

I don't know if I could get away with the benadryl... her mom is a doctor.

I'm thinking of giving her a wine cooler tomorrow night. :evilgrin:

[Orsino]

71. Better yet, slip her a Jolt and a Snickers...

...just before they leave for the night. :D

[Ellen Forradalom]

10. A nip of brandy

might also do the trick.

[RevCheesehead]

23. Hell, I'll give her the whole bottle, if it will calm her down!

Barring that, I will take the brandy myself!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. Wow, you do have your hands full, my dear Rev!

Unfortunately, I have NO suggestions......and you know, this should NOT be up to you!

But to her parents......Where are they in this situation? Or do they cater to her more than anyone?

Perhaps the sedation is a good idea!

Go for it!

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

24. My brother (falsely) believes that I'll gladly take over parenting duties.

I set him straight on that last Thanksgiving.

I don't think they're giving in... they're just as weary of her as we are. I might suggest a child psychologist, but at least I'm only exposed to her a few times a year.

[donheld]

15. 6 year olds should be sedated till they are 21.

[khashka]

79. You sound like Robert Heinlein

He said children should be locked in barrels. At 18 you check and see if they look like humans. If so you let 'em out, if not ,well, sorry kid but bye bye!


Khash.

[CC]

17. Get her to find a good book she likes,

take her to a quiet room and read her the book or take turns reading. A little one on one quiet time will calm her right down while still giving her the attention she craves. You could also use the time to talk quietly and let her know that quiet is the best way to get your attention. Though that does take time to teach. I have yet to find a child that undivided quiet time attention hasn't calmed. Good luck and lots of patience. Oh and don't be tempted to kill the brother this time around.:hug:

[Rabrrrrrr]

21. And then, after 10 minutes, sedate the fuck out of her with the book

Hopoefully she will have chosen a nice, thick hardcover.

[RevCheesehead]

25. ROFLMAO!

Rabrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr - you are positively evil! :evilgrin:

[Rabrrrrrr]

27. I am. I really am.

The benefit of being congregational. I can sin, with knowledge that I will be forgiven immediately.

[RevCheesehead]

26. I told Mom not to get rid of all the kids books when they moved.

Now I'm going to have to go to (gasp!) Wal-Mart (the only store in town) and find something to shut her up.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

28. Normally, I would say boycott the Walmart.......

But in this case, go for it! ANYTHING to control this child....

Good God! What a mess......

I actually feel sorry for the child....she's in for some hard times if they don't re-exert control NOW.....

It is NO way to grow up. Sad indeed. Good luck tomorrow.

:grouphug: :loveya:

[RevCheesehead]

30. Thank you.

Fortunately, tomorrow is our "Christmas." She already told me that she didn't get everything that she wanted - like her own TV for her bedroom (she ain't getting one).

Personally, I'm hoping for more snow. Let her run around in the stuff, making snow angels and snow people.

Thanks for your hug, too... I'll pass it along. :) :hug:

[CC]

29. Take her with you.

*ducking* I know that sounds hard right now but she really sounds like she needs one on one attention. Does Walmart have any of the classic kids books? And fairy tales are great no matter the age. And for the next family get together, hit library sales and other book sales. Look for any type of group folklore. Its amazing what kind of magic can be found in other cultures folklore. (and can learn so much about other cultures at the same time.) Grab benedryl in case though while at Wallyworld.:evilgrin:

Edited to add - if bro hasn't learned better yet, go a head and shoot him...put him out of your misery.

[RevCheesehead]

31. Will do, Ferrettessa!

I did find mom's old book of Grimm Fairy Tales. That should be interesting. As I recall, some of them are rather gruesome.

Plus, she's getting Barbie Fairies for Christmas. (they have wings, and as you know, Barbie is no angel!) Hey - this could work!!

[WCGreen]

35. What would Jesus Do?

[RevCheesehead]

36. I believe in the Gospel of Thomas,

Jesus dealt with his annoying playmates by killing them. Once they learned their lesson, he brought them back to life. I think his mama put a stop to that right away. O8)

[WCGreen]

39. Now Jesus, what would Jesus do.....

said Mary....

[RevCheesehead]

41. More like

"just wait until your Father hears about this!"

[Oeditpus Rex]

33. You're the one with the Direct Connection

Just tell her that if she doesn't knockitthefuckoff, Dog will turn her into a newt.

[RevCheesehead]

37. Oh - you just gave me a great idea!

My nephew is 12. It seems to me that 12 is a perfect age to receive "The Holy Grail" as a Christmas present, right? :bounce:

[Oeditpus Rex]

43. I think it's too late

Everybody oughta get it soon as they come outa the chute.

But that's just me.

[RevCheesehead]

44. Come to think of it,

there's a lot in that movie that Sarah would probably enjoy, too.
(we'll just fast-forward over Castle Anthrax.)

[Oeditpus Rex]

46. Nooo!

Do that and you miss the "Do you think this scene is going well?" bit that was cut from the original!

[RevCheesehead]

47. Well then, we will have to distract her.

Sarah, where are the elves? :rofl:
This is how I got into this mess!

[Oeditpus Rex]

49. Just keep a finger on the 'mute' button

when Dingo's about to say "And then, the oral sex."



(I assume that's the bit you have a problem with.)

[RevCheesehead]

50. Only as far as "little ears" go.

As to the topic, I can't say that I do have a problem....
:blush:

[Oeditpus Rex]

53. Yeah, that's what I meant

Figured your ears had heard it.

And...

Nope, not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent.

[RevCheesehead]

54. Always the gentleman, eh?

Or is this your Sir Galahad impersonation? :loveya:

[Oeditpus Rex]

55. Nah, I just don't wanna

get the thread locked. :blush:



Besides, I'm more the Sir Robin type. It's right for my...

[RevCheesehead]

56. "Idiom, sir?"

I thought that was Lancelot. :shrug:

[Oeditpus Rex]

57. So I mixed knight metaphors

You gonna fire flaming arrows into the top of my head and make castanets of my testicles already?

[RevCheesehead]

58. No, not at all....

But I'm not quite ready to divulge what plans I might already have.
:hide:

[Oeditpus Rex]

59. Well, hopefully

they don't involve The Guys.



'Least not with anything like castanets. :scared:

[RevCheesehead]

60. Nope, no castanets involved.

But there might be music - and dancing. :loveya:

[Oeditpus Rex]

61. It worked!

Now I get to use a Lucy Ricardo line:

"No castanets?"

:rofl:

[RevCheesehead]

62. Waaaaaah!

Why do you always make fun of me??? :cry:

Alas, good Sir, I must attempt to sleep.
This will be no ordinary sleep, mind ye. It's sleep on a hide-a-bed, with big, nasty, pointy things...


Besides, the Beast will arrive here tomorrow!
(she was nicknamed the Beast at about 6 months of age.)

No, not this beast:


This beast:

[Oeditpus Rex]

63. That don't look like no beast

But I'll take your word for it.

There was a little thang with a lotta bangs
right in the middle of her forehead...

:scared:

[RevCheesehead]

64. Good night, Ricky.

:* :hug:

[Oeditpus Rex]

65. Goo' night, Luu-ceee

:hug: :loveya:

[madeline_con]

40. If she's up after 9, say something to Mom. n/t

[CanuckAmok]

48. Children should be sedated at all times and locked away until they're 20.

In some nice, soundproof room with some canned food and an X-Box in it.

[RevCheesehead]

51. Isn't that redundant?

:D

[CanuckAmok]

52. there's "redundant" and then there's "thorough". I prefer the latter.

But that's just me.

[ET Awful]

66. Hell, I know 16 year olds and 60 year olds that should be sedated by 7:00

:P

[BikeWriter]

67. You can look forward to spoiling her children rotten!

[purr]

68. My 6 yr old step son is the same way...

We have him 5 days out of the week and the other 2 hes over his grandparents and omg.. he drives me nuts.. I have 3 of my own kids 4, 2, and 4 months and they arent like him at all. He doesnt stop running his mouth until he goes to sleep - I'm honestly surprised he doesnt talk in his sleep. He demands attention EVERYWHERE he goes. He even will try to strike up a conversation with a total stranger in stores - we try to avoid taking him at all costs.

When his grandparents are around.. oh god.. I want ear plugs. We cant even talk to my husbands parents when hes around because he wants them to talk to him tne entire time. If they dont he'll get entirely upset and then his 'grammy' coddles him and the rest of the night we're sitting there listening to him ramble about EVERYTHING. Hes good at interrupting people when they're in a middle of a conversation.

It drives me nuts.. my kids know now to interrupt (biggest pet peeve of mine), and NOT to talk to people they dont know unless its an emergency. Have to prompt him about 300x a day to be quiet and find something to do.

[Mobius]

70. only if

they get up at 4am :shrug:

[begin_within]

77. No, but most parents of 6-year-olds could probably use a Valium by 7 p.m.

[khashka]

78. Yeah, Rev is being naive

The only true solution to children is an intravenous valium drip. For the adults. But she's a smart girl - she'll figure it out.

Khash.