Dictator?

Some days I feel like all I do is tell the kids "no," especially with Jackson:).  Although I want to be a parent more than a friend I also don't want to be a dictator.  Here are some recent examples:
On Saturday, Jason and I told the kids that we were going to ride bikes on the greenway.  We took Jacksons training wheels off about a month ago and he hasn't wanted to try riding his bike since the first day, saying he would try when he turned 5.  Well, hes 5 now so I said it was Bike Day and kids had to ride their bikes.  He laid on the floor crying and refusing to go, calling the bike "boring."  I wasn't sure how much to force but decided that he needed to try.  Needless to say, after about 5 minutes of Jason helping him, he was off and the laughter that he emitted was full of pure joy.  Now he loves his bike and I will never be able to keep up with him again...

No more training wheels!!

A more simple example-We always make him pee before bed.  Last night he said he really didn't have to go so I let it slide because I didn't feel like forcing it.  Well, guess who woke me up at 1 in the morning soaking wet?  I was mad at myself for not forcing the potty time earlier as I changed him and the bed, while trying not to wake Lauren who was in his room having a sleepover. 

Sleepover

Keep your gum in your mouth, don't yell in Amanda's ear, 1...2...3..., quit messing and go potty, be nice, don't yell, 1....2....3....., eat your food, food stays in the kitchen, get in the car and buckle up, sit in your seat, buckle now, go potty, listen to mom, don't yell, please stop, let me get the scissors so I can cut the gum out of your hair, stop, lets go inside and change your wet pants, no food in family room, 1....2....3...., get the vacuum and help me clean, don't yell in anyones ear, be nice to your sisters, listen to mom, go potty, the list could easily go on and on.
I had a friend tell me once that she read for every one negative comment you tell your kid you should tell them 5 positive comments-Wow, that's a lot.  I do mix positive in with negative but not on a 5:1 ratio.
So, when does the dictatorship stop??? 

I guess this is why we often hear these two statements as a child: Because I said so and Mom is always(at least mostly) right!



Aren't they so cute....