Mom, I'm Bored!

I seem to have been stressed to the max this last week with the kids being on Spring break.  Not that I'm with them all day long, no, I get to kiss my desk every morning.  But going home to a messy house, 3 bickering kids with a lot of pent up energy, and 110 lb puppy who is just as excitable, has really brought me to my boiling point.

 But nothing seems to have irked me more though than the phrase, "I'm bored".  When it comes to "things", my kids are spoiled.  They have a Playstation2, a Wii, a DS, rows upon rows of movies, 700 cable channels, rooms over flowing with various toys and games, a walk in closet dedicated to arts, crafts, and coloring supplies.  Then we go outside and find a basketball hoop, a two story clubhouse, a sandbox, every different kind of ball you could imagine, bicycles for everyone, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and the list goes on and on.  But I still get an "I'm bored". 

When I was young I was not allowed to have video games, playing outside if it wasn't below freezing was mandatory, chores were a daily activity, and the 2 channels that "sort of" came in on the TV weren't worth watching.  When I had children I had decided I didn't want to turn out to be a "mean parent" and make my kids do the mundane things I found to be "dreadful" or "boring" or deprive them of anything I had wanted as a child.  But I see now that those things are necessary for shaping ones character.  I have turned my children into lazy, snotty, little brats, that think the world should be handed to them on a silver platter, and have no idea how to use their imaginations! 

How will I fix this?  Well, I do have a plan.  The "Mean Mommy" shall surface and rooms will be cleaned out, video game and movie stock piles will be depleted, chores will be assigned, TV will be limited, and if I hear the words "I'm bored" they will be scrubbing the floor with a toothbrush!  I know, I am a big talker, and when it comes down to it, it will probably be more of a gradual work in progress, yes, my finger are crossed for progress.  

 My children have been too sheltered and spoiled, and its time to actually do something about it.  I'm sure they will enjoy the fishing, camping, and hiking trips my husband and I have planned for this summer.  And they will detest the chore charts, reading time, toy elimination, losing privileges for bad behavior, and my personal favorite "soap in the mouth" for bold words, that is also on the agenda.  If there is anything I have learned so far, its that parenthood is an ever evolving journey, and no one can do it perfectly.  That sometimes its OK to be the "meany" and have your kids say they hate you because they can't have what they want.  In the end I wasn't put here to be their "friend", I am their parent, their role model, the one who is ultimately responsible for who they become, and it's time I put on my big girl pants and started acting like it!

So I guess I will keep you all informed as to how this one goes........Wish me luck!!