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Old 02-28-2007, 12:02 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Unhappy Children...

I need some open minds to help me with this one. I have three kids, all boys, oldest is 4 and younger twoare 17 month old twins. My problem is that my oldest keeps getting into things, you name it he is into it. When ever I am busy with twins, sleeping at night, taking trash out. I have reached the end of my rope and am going nuts. Time out don't work, sending him to his room doesn't work neither. I need some opinions on other ways to get him to stop. Is there anybody out there who can help??
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Old 02-28-2007, 12:06 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Originally Posted by R.J. View Post
I need some open minds to help me with this one. I have three kids, all boys, oldest is 4 and younger twoare 17 month old twins. My problem is that my oldest keeps getting into things, you name it he is into it. When ever I am busy with twins, sleeping at night, taking trash out. I have reached the end of my rope and am going nuts. Time out don't work, sending him to his room doesn't work neither. I need some opinions on other ways to get him to stop. Is there anybody out there who can help??

R.J.

Father of two here, both almost fully grown (20 and 17). clarification... What is he getting "into"? (in general that is). Is it a safety thing, or making a mess thing?
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Old 02-28-2007, 12:15 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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R.J.

Father of two here, both almost fully grown (20 and 17). clarification... What is he getting "into"? (in general that is). Is it a safety thing, or making a mess thing?
Making a mess thing, all day everyday. I'm out of solutions. I don't need to rip hair out of my hair for this, it's already just falling out!!! LOL
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Old 02-28-2007, 12:21 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Making a mess thing, all day everyday. I'm out of solutions. I don't need to rip hair out of my hair for this, it's already just falling out!!! LOL
Remember this. for a while, the oldest got your full undivided attention. When the oldest gets a sibling to compete with, they'll act up for a while. He got two people to compete with at the same time.

Just let him know that he's every bit as special as the twins. Don't just play with the twins, encourage everybody to play at the same time and to share. Make sure he feels as special as the other two and that he's equally loved. But don't go overboard or the other two will start.
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Old 02-28-2007, 12:29 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

Is he in a preschool? Perhaps he's bored and needs more stimulation and attention (not meaning you aren't paying attention to him, but as a mother of three - I definitely know how challenging it is to spread things out evenly.) Or maybe a more structured learning environment to help focus his energy.

I also agree that some one on one time - from time to time - with just you and him, or dad and him would potentially go a long way! It's kind of hard to really direct any decent advice to you - since we (or any people on a messageboard) don't know more about your situation! :)


In the short term, I would put everything up, lock things up - make his environment less tempting. Not the most attractive way to keep a house, but a sanity saver for you. At some point, this stage will pass :)
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Old 02-28-2007, 12:36 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

Sounds like he wants your attention 24/7. Our three kids are like that. It is a tough one. It is a bit of work...but we have done a couple of things.

We have a magnet board...where the kids earn points. At the end of the week they can buy something with the points. Points are valued at 50 cents each. Try doing it for the slightest good things you catch him doing.

The point is to give him positive attention to replace the negative attention he is getting from you right now. Catch him doing right, instead of wrong.

Picture this:

Every time he does something wrong he is getting a high level of attention from you...drama. Takes a lot of your time...focused on him. Big payoff.

Every time he does something good he is getting a "good job" Takes five seconds and has a very low level of attention. Small payoff.

Which one would you pick, as a kid, brother of two small twins...who need mommy's attention a lot?

Most older kids only have to deal with one new baby at a time.

Give him "Kodak" moments..."I see you sitting there quietly drawing. I really like that. You're being such a good boy." Descriptive rewards. Not just "good job".

Take the negative reward a way by giving it little energy. Give a consequence of some kind. That doesn't involve giving him attention. 4 years ...4 minutes. We sit our child in a chair facing a wall and walk a way. It took a good 25 times to get our three year old to stay. Had to hold her there till she agreed to stay. But after the first few days, lots of work, she now stays...most of the time.:) Our 8 year old is a fashion queen. We take her Levi's away as a consequence for a bad day at school. Find what works for your child.

Also have him help you, take out the trash, fold laundry, vacuum, grocery shopping (give him a choice between two items) It is extra work for you...but it gives positive attention...from you...while doing work.

Where did I get this wealth of info... from a counselor we see for our three little ones. We adopted. They came with a lot of baggage and a need of our attention...24/7. I could not even walk out of the room to cook dinner or talk on the phone. Now...I can do both most of the time:) We still have some rough days. But they are fewer and farther between.

Also a book called Transforming the Difficult Child - The nurtured heart approach. You can get all the info. on the book at this website.
http://difficultchild.com

As far as him getting into things while you're sleeping...tough one. Could you not put him down for a nap during the day. Let him stay up an hour past the other two. Take him some where during the day where he can play with kids his own age. All those things will make a kid sleep...at night...when you sleep.

I'm assuming a lot here...not knowing you or your kids. But so needed this info. myself a few years back. Want to make sure you get all the help you need:)

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Old 02-28-2007, 12:43 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

Also, try not to sleep during the day...I would love...I mean...love to take a nap during the day. But I can't trust the kids to "Not get up and get into things" could lead to an unsafe situation. I assumed that you are talking about him getting into things at night...right?

I know with twins...you must get really tired...during the day. Can someone give you a break...just for an hour?

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Old 02-28-2007, 01:06 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Originally Posted by Jenbar View Post
Is he in a preschool? Perhaps he's bored and needs more stimulation and attention (not meaning you aren't paying attention to him, but as a mother of three - I definitely know how challenging it is to spread things out evenly.) Or maybe a more structured learning environment to help focus his energy.

I also agree that some one on one time - from time to time - with just you and him, or dad and him would potentially go a long way! It's kind of hard to really direct any decent advice to you - since we (or any people on a messageboard) don't know more about your situation! :)


In the short term, I would put everything up, lock things up - make his environment less tempting. Not the most attractive way to keep a house, but a sanity saver for you. At some point, this stage will pass :)
I agree with everything you are saying, and I do spend as much alone time with him as possible. As far as the father goes, he hasn't been around sence I was a month along with him.
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Old 02-28-2007, 01:12 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Sounds like he wants your attention 24/7. Our three kids are like that. It is a tough one. It is a bit of work...but we have done a couple of things.

We have a magnet board...where the kids earn points. At the end of the week they can buy something with the points. Points are valued at 50 cents each. Try doing it for the slightest good things you catch him doing.

The point is to give him positive attention to replace the negative attention he is getting from you right now. Catch him doing right, instead of wrong.

Picture this:

Every time he does something wrong he is getting a high level of attention from you...drama. Takes a lot of your time...focused on him. Big payoff.

Every time he does something good he is getting a "good job" Takes five seconds and has a very low level of attention. Small payoff.

Which one would you pick, as a kid, brother of two small twins...who need mommy's attention a lot?

Most older kids only have to deal with one new baby at a time.

Give him "Kodak" moments..."I see you sitting there quietly drawing. I really like that. You're being such a good boy." Descriptive rewards. Not just "good job".

Take the negative reward a way by giving it little energy. Give a consequence of some kind. That doesn't involve giving him attention. 4 years ...4 minutes. We sit our child in a chair facing a wall and walk a way. It took a good 25 times to get our three year old to stay. Had to hold her there till she agreed to stay. But after the first few days, lots of work, she now stays...most of the time.:) Our 8 year old is a fashion queen. We take her Levi's away as a consequence for a bad day at school. Find what works for your child.

Also have him help you, take out the trash, fold laundry, vacuum, grocery shopping (give him a choice between two items) It is extra work for you...but it gives positive attention...from you...while doing work.

Where did I get this wealth of info... from a counselor we see for our three little ones. We adopted. They came with a lot of baggage and a need of our attention...24/7. I could not even walk out of the room to cook dinner or talk on the phone. Now...I can do both most of the time:) We still have some rough days. But they are fewer and farther between.

Also a book called Transforming the Difficult Child - The nurtured heart approach. You can get all the info. on the book at this website.
http://difficultchild.com

As far as him getting into things while you're sleeping...tough one. Could you not put him down for a nap during the day. Let him stay up an hour past the other two. Take him some where during the day where he can play with kids his own age. All those things will make a kid sleep...at night...when you sleep.

I'm assuming a lot here...not knowing you or your kids. But so needed this info. myself a few years back. Want to make sure you get all the help you need:)

Izzy
Wow you aound like the counsler yourself, very heplful tips. I took Nurturing Parent classes for some time and they cam back with the same things as you described. I will try them thank you.
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Old 02-28-2007, 01:14 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Also, try not to sleep during the day...I would love...I mean...love to take a nap during the day. But I can't trust the kids to "Not get up and get into things" could lead to an unsafe situation. I assumed that you are talking about him getting into things at night...right?

I know with twins...you must get really tired...during the day. Can someone give you a break...just for an hour?

Izzy
No I don't get breaks, my mother told me she never got one so why should I? And no I don't get a nap either, would love to have one though. Could really use it.
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Old 02-28-2007, 01:20 PM   #11 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

Maybe make a deal with your mom. You do something she needs done...she gives you a break. Shows your mom...you value her time. I have my grand kids a lot and love them...but wish my adult kids would show they value the free time I give them. Do some chores for me...paint a room...cook me a meal. My older boy does once in a while. But my daughter-in-laws never do.

Just an Idea.

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Old 02-28-2007, 01:28 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Maybe make a deal with your mom. You do something she needs done...she gives you a break. Shows your mom...you value her time. I have my grand kids a lot and love them...but wish my adult kids would show they value the free time I give them. Do some chores for me...paint a room...cook me a meal. My older boy does once in a while. But my daughter-in-laws never do.

Just an Idea.

Izzy
Believe me I wish it was that simple, but she still insists that she didn't get the time for herself, so why should she help out any of her kids when they need it.
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Old 02-28-2007, 01:38 PM   #13 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

I would have him "help" you care for the twins. Mommy's big helper. As it was stated lots of attention and praise when he does well.

At 4 most are able to understand some logic. What worked for my son and I is that I talked to him about his things and mommy, daddy, or sister's things. If he would get into my things I would take him into his room and tell him that I was going to be taking this or that because he got into this or that. He didn't like me taking his things and quickly understood that is messed with "my" stuff that he would have his things "taken." I would then give him a way to earn it back. However we discussed why and there were no arguments or yelling ever. Just a quiet discussion about respecting other's property.

Now what wording only you will know what will work for your child. By the age of 3 I could take my son into a store full of glass and tell him if he touched anything hands would go in pockets. He didn't like that... of course I thought it may make him neurotic about pockets.. but it didn't. He is pretty well adjusted.

My theory when raising my kids was not to yell, not to spank but make the punishment fit the crime.. When a bedroom door gets slammed. (teenage girl ) Take the door. It worked for us.
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Old 02-28-2007, 01:45 PM   #14 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Believe me I wish it was that simple, but she still insists that she didn't get the time for herself, so why should she help out any of her kids when they need it.
Wow,

Sounds like your mom is evil! I mean no joke here. She is either vindictive or sadistic, or mentally something??? Maybe the effect of getting no breaks when she was raising her kids had a negative effect on her...

You would think that "grandma" would jump at the opportunity to be with her grandkids. I am so sorry you are in that place.

You can also look into programs that will at least give you a break. When my wife was stay at home, she got involved with "moms and moppets" through our church... babysitting for the kids, while you and other mothers do fun crafts and stuff and talk about the "joys" of parenting.

Not seeing any advise here that I would not give. Just make sure that Mr. 4yrold cleans up whatever he messes.

I can't imagine doing single parenting for three boys, especially when two are twins. That's HARD even with a Dad on the scene!

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Old 02-28-2007, 01:58 PM   #15 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

Sorry to hear your mom doesn't want to help with the kids. But move on and try other avenues. In our area there is a program called Head Start. It is in lots of bay area cities. It is a low income preschool and child care program. If you qualified then your preschooler would go to class at least a half a day. The early head start program offers full day for working parents, with low income, infant to 5 years old.

Call your elementary schools and ask if they know of any programs or can they point you in the direction of an office that can help you. Also check with your local "private child care licensing office". They would know about all the programs out there. Being a single parent with three kids...I bet you qualify for a lot of child services, at low cost, to no cost for you. But you need to do the research and leg work. Does anyone here live in her area and know where to get the info. Let's see if we can brain storm to get you going in a direction that will give you an avenue for a support system.

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Old 02-28-2007, 06:15 PM   #16 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Is there anybody out there who can help??
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Old 02-28-2007, 06:25 PM   #17 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

I love supernanny show. Watched it last night. Although, it was the one without the cape...long dark hair. RJ could you tell us what part of Co. you live in?

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Old 02-28-2007, 06:45 PM   #18 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

My son was just like that into everything..I had to tie my refrigerator closed because he would like to break eggs! He gave me a run for my money..nonstop kid..nonstop talking. A real challange to raise. He is 27 years old now and still when he comes home to visit he is like a bull in a china closet. I am not sure I have any words of wisdom...hang in there..do the best you can to get a break every so often.
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Old 02-28-2007, 06:50 PM   #19 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Is that some of your relatives ?
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Old 02-28-2007, 07:41 PM   #20 (permalink)
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Is that some of your relatives ?
No.

http://www.fox.com/nanny911/
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Old 02-28-2007, 07:48 PM   #21 (permalink)
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Well ya never know, they look like they could be from fungus
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Old 02-28-2007, 08:35 PM   #22 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

Isabel is right, in that being you are a single mother, raising 3 boys - you likely qualify for lots of services, potentially even respite care from time to time. (Depending on your state).

You didn't answer - is he in preschool? A 4 yr old is getting to that point that, he really might just need *more*. Of course, I don't know what you guys do, day to day...
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Old 02-28-2007, 09:38 PM   #23 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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I need some open minds to help me with this one. I have three kids, all boys, oldest is 4 and younger twoare 17 month old twins. My problem is that my oldest keeps getting into things, you name it he is into it. When ever I am busy with twins, sleeping at night, taking trash out. I have reached the end of my rope and am going nuts. Time out don't work, sending him to his room doesn't work neither. I need some opinions on other ways to get him to stop. Is there anybody out there who can help??
Here's an idea...
http://www.kindermusik.com/TuneIn/Feb2004.asp
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Old 03-01-2007, 01:12 AM   #24 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Quote:
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Is that some of your relatives ?
I think I dated the one in red...
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Old 03-04-2007, 05:23 PM   #25 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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Isabel is right, in that being you are a single mother, raising 3 boys - you likely qualify for lots of services, potentially even respite care from time to time. (Depending on your state).

You didn't answer - is he in preschool? A 4 yr old is getting to that point that, he really might just need *more*. Of course, I don't know what you guys do, day to day...
No he is not in preschool, he was off on the cut off date, so have to wait until this next school year.
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Old 03-04-2007, 05:55 PM   #26 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

You need to set Dominance.

I was in the military where you had to have very strict control over your children back then. If my kids were running into the street and I yell stop! my kids stop dead in thier tracks. where as many kids still run on and get run over by the speeding car. You can be firm and still show that you love and care for them.
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Old 03-04-2007, 09:18 PM   #27 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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You need to set Dominance.

I was in the military where you had to have very strict control over your children back then. If my kids were running into the street and I yell stop! my kids stop dead in thier tracks. where as many kids still run on and get run over by the speeding car. You can be firm and still show that you love and care for them.
I must say I have 54 1st cousins on my mothers side alone . And this is By far the best. I have seen what works and what don't. To be Strict with Alot of love is by far the best. (Now don't make them Cut there own switch) I had to do that once. Never repeated what I did again but man that was tough. Anyway Show the older 1 as much attention as you can but be firm when saying NO. Just don't let him think he can get away with ignoring you. And always show love. Aside from that well kids are kids Live and learn and have fun you will miss the years when they are gone. By the way I have 4 and all are fine. with a 13 year old being the oldest and a 5 months being the youngest.
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Old 03-07-2007, 05:19 PM   #28 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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You need to set Dominance.

I was in the military where you had to have very strict control over your children back then. If my kids were running into the street and I yell stop! my kids stop dead in thier tracks. where as many kids still run on and get run over by the speeding car. You can be firm and still show that you love and care for them.
I know with myself growwing up we never acted up as bad as I see some kids today. My Son Jordan is really a well behaved boy, just going through his needing attention stage after the twins were born. Lately he has been a whole lot better. You should see my sisters son, talk about out of control!!!

And by the way, when I was 5 I got ran over by a car, front and back tires. So you see it doesn't mean I was out of control, it was all the neighbors fault for backing out of her driveway fast and not looking while doing so. I remember everything that happened that day just like it happened yesterday. When you go across a street you look both directions, I did so even going infront of her driveway.
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Old 03-07-2007, 06:25 PM   #29 (permalink)
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Re: Children...

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I know with myself growwing up we never acted up as bad as I see some kids today. My Son Jordan is really a well behaved boy, just going through his needing attention stage after the twins were born. Lately he has been a whole lot better. You should see my sisters son, talk about out of control!!!

And by the way, when I was 5 I got ran over by a car, front and back tires. So you see it doesn't mean I was out of control, it was all the neighbors fault for backing out of her driveway fast and not looking while doing so. I remember everything that happened that day just like it happened yesterday. When you go across a street you look both directions, I did so even going infront of her driveway.

RJ, did you remember getting run over? that would be scary!

How are the kids doing?
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