https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:20:04 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1841622 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 02:11:53 +0000 erwoo 1841622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: LOL! Do you keep a straight face but talk with your mouth almost shut but in a really angry voice??? I do... but sometimes if they are about to break something or fall down or whatever I get a little loud. :meh: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1841621 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 02:10:10 +0000 erwoo 1841621@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@edelweiss: Trust me, sometimes I feel the same way too. My boys would be all over that fish tank like a shark! How is your little boy? He must be really big now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1841619 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 02:07:45 +0000 erwoo 1841619@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Baby Boy Mom: I know, my husband keeps asking why they are the way they are with me. *Sigh* He keeps saying that he can make them listen. Hmm... if only he's home 24-7 with the boys! He always jokes that I should go back to work when I get grumpy with the boys. :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840773 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:41:45 +0000 .twist. 1840773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erwoo: haha!!! I try not to yell in public, so I have PERFECTED my angry whisper. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840679 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:41:44 +0000 edelweiss 1840679@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my friend, who is the mom of 2 young boys, was telling me about this time she went to nordstrom with her boys. there was a fish tank at the front of the store. a mom with a young girl came by and was quietly looking at the fish. her boys, on the other hand, were trying to climb the aquarium and she felt a total frazzled mess next to the other mom trying to keep the boys under control. then the other mom turned to her girl and said "do you want to go look at dresses now?" to which the girl sweetly replied "yes" and off they went. my friend said she really, really wanted girls at that moment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840674 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:37:00 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1840674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erwoo: I know what you mean. We just moved and are in an apartment and it's hard getting used to not having outdoor space that is "ours". I always have to be "on" when we are out. Then again, I do think they save the antics for their mommy. My husband says the same thing, that they are "bad" with me. Oh well! It's because they know they can push boundaries and we'll still love them. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840557 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 13:00:46 +0000 erwoo 1840557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Confetti: Yeah, I do have thoughts of starting up a timer again. Might have to implement that again during our trip to the states b/c they will be with me 24-7! But have to find something they can see and can't break. Our microwave is too far for them to see the time. I'll have to do a little more research on a timer. I bought two Ikea ones and will never buy it again. A few tosses on the floor and it stops working. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840545 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:58:18 +0000 erwoo 1840545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Baby Boy Mom: Yeah, I remember they were pretty energetic then, but it's only gotten worse now that they are older and my youngest is copying my oldest. I wish I could just walk out and let them burn some energy on a nice green lawn (oh, how I miss our SFH in the states!) or even in our basement which I designated as their ginormous playroom with a moon bounce. You would think my oldest would be exhausted after being in school all day, but, nope! He's even more wild after he gets home. I sometimes wonder if it's b/c it's "me?!" I tell my husband that and he always asks why? I don't know? They are just different with me than they are with him. A mommy thing, perhaps? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840529 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:53:16 +0000 erwoo 1840529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: ME TOO! I think our helper probably thinks I'm crazy b/c of what I go through with the kids. My husband said that he wouldn't be surprised if she left before we moved back to the states. :( He sucks! :P But I think he meant b/c of how crazy our boys are... I need a calm and gentle book! Maybe 2! You're awesome, though, for having three boys! I saw a mom of three boys at Target last year and thought how brave she was to bring all three out. I'm sure she had no choice though. I heard her yelling at them b/c they were playing around the escalator area. I thought to myself... is that what I sound like sometimes? :\ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840528 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:53:09 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 1840528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@erwoo: what if you just used the timer on the microwave or oven? Just tell them meal is over when it beeps? Over time, they would get the internal clock feel of how long x number of minutes lasts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840508 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:48:25 +0000 erwoo 1840508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sandy: Thanks! I do try to remind myself to not say "don't do this or that." But sometimes saying it nicely just doesn't work. And the timer, well, doesn't work too well with my oldest. He would get excited for a day and then it's old news to him and he's back to his antics again at the dining table. I agree 100% with consistent parenting. Now if only my husband can as well! That's another story in itself. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840495 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:45:32 +0000 erwoo 1840495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: Thanks! Friends of ours has two boys who are in middle and high school now and they were such great people to talk to! But since we live overseas now and hardly see each other it's hard to talk to them. Their boys are pretty good kids. Hope mine turns out good too! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840488 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:43:21 +0000 erwoo 1840488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: OOOOH, you sound just like me! No worries about being jumbled b/c I feel your pain to the T! You are lucky in some ways that you get a break during the day time at work from kids and is able to have adult conversations; but I'm sure by the time you get home you're exhausted and still have to take care of two little ones and prepare dinner. I stay home and I do get a break of having both of them all the time b/c my oldest does go to school from around 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, sometimes 5:30 PM if he has Tae Kwon Do that the school offers. But as soon as he comes home all is chaotic again. My youngest LOVES it when his brother isn't home, but yet misses him when he's not. He constantly asks, "Mommy picking up ge ge (brother in Chinese)?" </p> <p>As for siblings growing up, yep, I have two older sibs and I'm the youngest and we're all a year apart, but I don't remember it being THIS crazy though. Seriously... My mom even said we were all really good kids when we were younger. We were all afraid of my dad, that's why. Haha!</p> <p>Thanks for making me better that I'm not alone out there b/c sometimes I do. I feel like everyone else's kids are so well behaved compared to mine. My brother had to put my nephew and my oldest in time out at a restaurant once b/c they just got way too crazy and didn't listen to him even after he told them not to leave their seats. Luckily, we had our own private room so it wasn't for the whole world to see. My oldest was such a sweet little boy before he turned 3... so, so sweet. I really miss that age of his. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840447 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:32:16 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 1840447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't really have advice but just wanted to empathize. My boys are younger, 18 months and 3 years, but their energy level is insane. They are always wrestling each other, trying to climb on furniture, and really just egging each other on doing stupid things. The only times they are sort of calm is when they are separate. It's tough staying on top of the discipline, being consistent etc, I just make it my daily goal to get them TIRED! Of course, I end up getting myself tired but that's just par for the course. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840436 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:29:35 +0000 erwoo 1840436@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@beaker: Thanks! I know I will be okay at the end of the day, but I just need somewhere to vent and hear what others mamas do when this happens to them. :) Enjoy the 1s and 3s. Oh how I miss those days! At least my youngest was much easier then despite his tantrums. :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840431 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:28:34 +0000 .twist. 1840431@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have 3 boys and sometimes I feel like I am completely nuts. I see a lot of little girls who are so calm and play nice and gentle. It probably isn't always the norm, but man, I wish my boys would, at least sometimes, take a page out of the calm &amp; gentle book! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840428 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:27:32 +0000 erwoo 1840428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Confetti: I have told our helper but she is just not assertive enough. My youngest cries and out the toys it comes. I guess that's how she raised her three girls? But she did admit to us that our boys are harder than her three girls. What?! Haha! Anyway, I wasn't offended b/c I asked the question or rather my husband did. A lot of people have suggested a timer. Well, we're on our second timer and somehow they find it and break it! So there goes the timer...again! Plus, I don't think it works on my oldest at all. He forgets and continues to play. He did it again tonight. He spilled his water and started poking his fork through in between the table pad (we have to use it in fear of the kids ruining a table that doesn't belong to us), and then dropped the second fork I gave him. That was it. I took his fruit away and there it went.... screaming like I was going to kill him (not kidding!) and begging to eat his fruit. He melted down for a good 20 minutes before calming down and then cried every time I walked by him. He was hysterical... I ignored him until he calmed down. I think I might have told him that's how I feel when he plays around during meals. Haha! :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840396 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:19:18 +0000 erwoo 1840396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pumuckl: We do eat the same thing. However, sometimes my oldest will secretly go to our helper and ask her to make him fried rice (b/c he loves fried rice but yet still eats that very slowly...). I always tell him he will eat whatever we eat. Thanks for the book recs. I will definitely check them out! And you're right about staying indoors for too long. When both of them are inside for lengthy periods it gets to be too much for everyone. Unfortunately, we can't just run out b/c it's been and is still really hot outside here - 100+ feeling every day for months now. And humid. So gross. I can't wait until we leave for the states to enjoy September weather. Warm, but not too warm! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840227 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 10:58:53 +0000 sandy 1840227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's normal young child behavior. Some kids are just more high energy than others - boys and girls. </p> <p>My approach for discipline/rules is to be as consistent as possible. It's so tough but I think it's very important </p> <p>My friend has a 4 year old who would not sit still and ear during dinner and be too distracted and want to play. She stays firm with the no toys/books at meals. Also, she said she set a timer and explained he needed to sit and eat his dinner nicely for 25 minutes and after that she would be taking his plate away and no snacks after dinner. She says it helps bc he can see the timer. She said the first day he was dawdling and not eating and when she took his plate away he was shocked...and that he didn't get a snack later. The next day he at his entire dinner within 15 minutes. She said she was tired of telling him to eat and dinner taking up to an hour when she had another LO to put down for bed. </p> <p>Regarding behavior - I've read numerous times that rather than telling them what not to do - it's more effective to explain to your kids what you want them to do. Example - rather than "no running or stop running" it's more effective to said "please walk" or "inside we need to walk but you can run outside" etc</p> <p>Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1840178 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 10:09:35 +0000 skipra 1840178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine are too young to be there yet but I know it's coming. I have nephews though and have seen what my sister deals with. It is hard! I have noticed that as they get older they get easier for the most part. I mean they still argue but seems better than when they were younger. Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1839911 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 07:20:13 +0000 Mamaof2 1839911@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Its the same with girl/boy too! My DS is (almost) 6 and DD is 3.5 and oh my they stomp and storm and make huge rackets everyday - I joke that I need to give them walking lessons. We live in a single family home so I am not concerned with them bothering anyone else.</p> <p>We have jealously and issues sharing - they love each other one minute and then the next someone gets hit, pushed, and the tears are flowing.</p> <p>I should add that I work OTH FT so I don't even spend all day with them but it still drives me batty for that 1 hour in the AM and 3 hours at night!</p> <p>We also have the same issues with balls and "swords" (anything that's long) - honestly I let them use them in the playroom and just warn them that if someone gets hurt the item will be taken away. I don't want to say "you cant play with any toys that could potentially hurt" because then there would be nothing left.</p> <p>DS will make a lego tower and DD knocks it down<br /> DD will fix her dolls and then DS will 'attack" them with his jet.</p> <p>Did you have siblings growing up? I did and so I keep telling myself this is normal sibling behavior.</p> <p>Not sure if you are dead set against TV but when I need quiet time I have no problem saying "lets eat popcorn and watch TV" they both love it and sit quietly - its a welcome break!</p> <p>I am also constantly reminding my DS that his little sister looks up to him and learns from him. When she hits him I usually ask DS "Oh, where do you think she learned that behavior from?" He says "me?" and I say "yep!" I tell him that she does what he does - if he sits quietly , she will too - if he hits then DD thinks its ok for her to hit.</p> <p>I feel like this was a big jumble - sorry - all that to say I feel you - I just do the best I can - big hugs mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1839844 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 06:03:45 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 1839844@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Omg, I have an almost 3 and almost 1 year old and I just know this is coming! They already have little fights and roughhouse. No advice but I feel you man. We'll make it through somehow! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1839826 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 05:34:09 +0000 Mrs. Confetti 1839826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have one maniac boy so far and have seen how he plays rough with older neighbor kids. Yeah. Frightens me for my future should this next one be a boy. Even solo, when we are cooped at home, he is a wild and physical creature. You aren't alone mama. </p> <p>As for your meal issues, you need your helper to be on board with consistently upholding house rules (or she is no longer helping). Also, I would let your older one go hungry if he isn't eating. Set a timer for meals and when eating time is over, it's over. He won't starve if he misses a few meals, and he will learn that he has to eat instead of good around during meal time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1839807 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 04:33:14 +0000 Pumuckl 1839807@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First of all, hugs to you mama, you're doing a good job :heart: </p> <p>With my little dude I have found that the days I find most stressful are the ones where we spend lots of time indoors. He is very much an outdoors guy. So as long as it's not pouring crazy amounts of rain we make sure to get him outside. It really helps if he is able to run of the energy. He will then be much more pleasant when at home and be able to "quietly" play.</p> <p>With your meal situation: Do you feed your kids the same things at the same time you eat? If found that eating the same things together has a really positive effect on how LO eats. I've heard lots of people say positive things about these books when it comes to eating habbits (although I personally have not read them): Bringing Up Bebe (<a href="http://amzn.com/1594203334" rel="nofollow">http://amzn.com/1594203334</a>) and French Kids Eat Everything (<a href="http://amzn.com/B00655ZNSI" rel="nofollow">http://amzn.com/B00655ZNSI</a>). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/is-it-me-or-is-having-all-boys-just-really-tough#post-1839800 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 02:48:49 +0000 erwoo 1839800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry, this is kind of long... I have two boys 2.5 and 5.5. They are each other's best friends and also worst enemies. It's so sweet and fun to watch them play when they get along; but is so frustrating when one of them is not playing nice or sharing, causing the other to cry and whine and throw a massive tantrum. And the listening part, wow! My oldest just doesn't listen to anything I say. We'll have a chat about it one second and the next he's forgotten all about our little talk.</p> <p>I've been battling with the boys during meals a lot these days. My youngest used to be such an awesome eater. Overall, he still is, but he's starting to play around just like his big brother now. My oldest, ugh, I've tried everything (reward system, etc.) to get him to stop playing and concentrate on eating his meals and finish sooner than later. If I'm not nearby reminding him to take a bite he'll just keep on playing and leave his seat and run around. Most times he's playing with his hands! He'll pick on his food, smear it on the table, move his arms around and accidentally spill his milk or his entire bowl of food. Ugh... Luckily, my youngest sits in his high chair for 2 out of 3 meals of the day. He runs around during breakfast and I had to put him in time out twice this morning for playing around. He has a bad eating habit in that he wants to bring toys to the table when he eats. He'll also bring books. And all this is thanks to his big brother who encourages it b/c he doesn't get to play with toys at the dining table. I nixed this toy thing with my youngest a while ago, then our helper (she's great but gives in to him all the time) goes and gets him as many toys as he wants. I have to kindly remind her to not let him bring toys to the dining table b/c it really slows down his eating and then he just doesn't want to finish after a while. And then there's the two of them talking and playing around together while eating. I've had to separate them so they can't see each other so they can eat faster.</p> <p>So aside from their eating issues, there's the jealous and sharing issues. My oldest is SUPER jealous of his little brother. I don't blame him b/c his little brother is just so adorable and knows how to work it with me. :P But I try to be as fair as I can with both. I think this is probably not just a boy thing, but I had to mention it.</p> <p>Other things that makes them tough is the way they play. WOW... I'm surprised our downstairs neighbor hasn't complained about the stomping and constant floor noise coming from out apartment! We have concrete floors between us but when one stomps you can definitely hear it. I hear the little girl upstairs when she's comes home from school or wakes up from her nap. I'm constantly telling them to not stomp or run their ride-on cars into the walls or cabinets (one of them has Thomas the Train's noise print permanently imprinted on the entire bottom of the right door.). Throwing balls at things or using anything that's long like a sword. There's not a moment of calm with them unless I really need some peace and turn on the television. We are a no TV household until the boys go to sleep or a little before dinner just to see what's going on with the world. They hardly get to use the iPad or play with electronic anything for a long period of time. It's a personal thing for me.</p> <p>Anyway, sometimes I feel all I do all day long is tell them not to do this or that. A friend recently asked me, isn't it tiring to constantly tell them not to do this or that? She has one boy and he's not rambunctious like my boys. It's not that I want to. It's because if I don't someone will end up with a bloody something or something or someone will break. I also feel that if I don't control their behavior at home they will be this way while we're out. And it has happened when I have to get them to calm out while we're out.</p> <p>Is it like this with girls? I am always so envious of friends with girls who sit quietly eating their meals or play quietly while their parents talk to someone else. My boys will not let me do any of that. Is it my poor discipline ways or is this all just very normal for a 2.5 and 5.5 year old boys. I'm so emotionally exhausted when it comes to the boys. </p> <p>If you have all boys or even girls who are wild and crazy like my boys, how do you handle some of these situations? I feel like I'm doing the right thing, but it's just not working as well as I thought it would. And it's not lasting... :\ </p>