HELP - Direction for Additional Children

[gemsmom]

I have cared for my son since day one. We know each other very well. We communicate and resolve issues well. Recently, I have taken on three additional toddlers to care for in my home. They bring all their own issues and every parenting style is different, but I am having a great deal of trouble keeping the peace. I always try redirection for the little things. I do not like to use time-outs and, but when one child infringes on the rights of another child (i.e. grabbing, hitting, etc.) I am challenged. I am in need of direction. I am also finding that my lovely relationship with my son is now stressed. I financially need this situation to work. I emotionally need balanced levels of peace and play. This isn't easy.

[NoraB]

(((HUGS)))

I'm not sure I have any advice for you as I've never been in the situation you describe. I can only recommend the book Positive Discipline. It has a lot of great advice on gentle ways to discipline and keep the peace. I would also recommend you get somebody to help you. If you try to take care of all the kids on your own, you're bound to be very, very stressed. Is there any member of your family who would be willing to come and help out? Good luck and HTH.