We were "that" family

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Oh thank goodness - I thought it was only my kids who would probably kill each over who gets to push the elevator button. Some years we actually had to have assigned days. No less this was when we stayed at the GF. Sometimes I felt like the Beverly Hillbillies meet the Grand Floridian!

Our nickname for the Grand Floridian is "The Redneck Ritz"...

Ok, I'll post-we've been to Disney a lot (see my siggy), and we know what the right things to do are and what the wrong things to do. Weeeelllll,

fast forward to Valentine's weekend this year, it's SUPER crowded, we're at Animal Kingdom, and it's noontime and we haven't eaten yet. We typically will eat before 11:30 am to beat the crowds but just messed up. So I say, there's Yak and Yeti counter service, we're here, I'm hungry, let's wait. DH is like, that line is too long, let's go over to Flame Tree Barbecue and eat there.

I'm like, fine , but since it's on the entire opposite end of the park I want to go on Expedition Everest with my fast pass on the way there, and take DD on Dinosaur, our other fast pass, which I ran *all over* the parks that morning to score. He's like, no, let's go eat.

And I'm hungry, and I'm walking past the stupid rides, and I'm on a seriously slow burn. It's a short drive to Crazy Town for me at this point.

We get to Flame Tree and the freakin' line is even longer. Which I knew it would be because it's always more popular. It's now 1 pm, and I am an absolute dragon. The two kids are sitting in the stroller (we had to rent a double because DD10 came down with a head cold that morning), and the kids are totally picking on each other (not normal), and I basically lose it in line and say, well, Mr. Smarty Pants, good idea making us walk all over the STUPID park so I can stand in another STUPID line because you're too STUPID to let us eat an hour ago.

And the whole STUPID comments continue for the next 45 minutes until we get our food. We left to drive home about 3 hours later, as planned.

DH (who can now joke about it ), says that I yelled at him all the way to the Georgia Border...

To give DH credit he managed not to snipe back at me. I did feel really bad for the couple behind us who said to each other eventually, "why do people like this place, it's awful here!"

 

[tinkermom23]

Yes, I make sure to pack my angry eyes.

I am soooo going to use that one!

 

[clc053103]

Thats what I thought, just another word for " what me disapline my child".
'

UM.....several people on this thread have discussed their spirited kids- I don't see any reason to insult anyone. I would say people with spirited children spend more time on discipline than most! Why can't we keep this friendly???

LydiaAch: Yes, I read Raising your Spirited Child! I really got a lot from it- after reading the examples I felt much better knowing my DS was pretty mild!!! just started "Taming your Spirited Child" by another author and so far, it just seems dry and hard to read, but I will finish it b/c even if I get one tip or technique from it, it is worth the time spent. I have noticed that as DS approaches 4, he's less challenging too.

 

[PHXscuba]

I know it's no help now after you're back from a trip, but the single best trick my mother used on us 3 highly competitive kids for things like elevator buttons and such was what we called "day of the week." I've heard similar methods called other names.
Basically, she marked on her calendar an endless rotation of our initials (like A B C A B C A ... etc.) Whoever's "day" it was got to make some of the decisions, like which fast food to eat if we were out, sit in the front seat of the van, pick the TV show, etc. There were also responsibilities, like dinner cleanup, helping mom, etc.
Amazingly, it solved about 90 percent of the arguments about who got to pick because we all got a turn and it came on different days each week. Now, I use it during the summer when I have all 4 of mine home and they endlessly bicker about what's "not fair.". I believe it would also work on vacation for things like key cards, elevator-button pushing, choosing a CS meal, etc. Obviously the choices you give each kid have to be age appropriate and somewhat limited.

If this has helped even one person on this thread avoid one of those "that family" moments, my work here is done. As for us, we'll be "that family" at Disneyland this fall, trying to laugh and not cry when any and all of these things happen!

PHXscuba

 

[Crisgw]

basic characteristics include high energy, sensitivity, persistence, intensity, moodiness, lack of adaptability.

Our youngest DS is a "spirited" child, or so they say I say he's a stubborn PITA

 

[LydiaAch]

Our youngest DS is a "spirited" child, or so they say I say he's a stubborn PITA

LMAO!!! I love it!

I am steeling myself for more than the normal amount of meltdowns from DD4 but it is comforting to know I am not alone. I feel (almost all the time) that people are thinking I cannot discipline my child and that we let her walk all over us. We do not.

I can't wait to tell our stories in a couple of weeks!

 

[mookie]

These stories make me feel so much better, and I have a feeling it's because of my other post from a few days ago that this thread was brought back from the dead. I'm glad it was...it's making me feel so much better!!!

For those of you that don't know...we are at WDW now, and I haven't been having the most ideal vacation because of my youngest DS. To sum it up...I posted a thread..."If you were at the MK today, I SINCERELY apologize......"


Then, I went and posted my woes....below is my post...

For anyone that was at MK anytime this AM and saw my obnoxious 2 year olds barn-owl high pitched screeetching 2 hour tantruming fit, I apologize for ruining a nice morning at the parks. To the poor family that had to endear Winnie the Pooh with my poorly optimistic DH and my little "angel," again, I am so sorry for the ear-piercing screaming that probably ruined the ride for you.

Little diappointed today, so I thought I'd turn to my DIS friends. I should know that the best laid plans with a small child should be used LOOSELY, but I didn't expect to be able to have so much downtime during my trip that I am able to write a trip report while I'm still here! We are back at our hotel, after only 3 1/2 hours in the parks, trying to let our youngest kiddo sleep off (for the 2nd nap today) what ever got into him. I know this has been hard on him...we drove down and it's been non-stop. I have to remember that. Just hoping some of you could give me some words of encouragement before I head back to the parks tonight with my little monster....and if you sit by me during Spectro tonight and he starts again, I'm apologizing in advance for any behavior that might arise.

On a better note, some of you might remember me posting about being worried about our 3 year old with special needs, and being concerned with him in the parks...I'm happy to tell you that he is the most amazing kid ever, and absolutely had a great time. I felt bad for him and his 6 year old sister...they couldn't do much with their hysterical little brother in tow! Just goes to show you that anything goes at WDW...what I totally thought was going to happen, didn't and what I didn't think was going to happen, DID...10 times over!

On a side note, park crowds didn't seem too bad. No more than a 30 min wait for anything up until we left at 11:30...and yes, it is HOT HOT HOT outside!!!

First day at the Parks for us...we are not giving up! Wish me luck tonight, everyone, and if you see me in the parks, turn the other way and R-U-N!

 

[mookie]

oh and a follow up post, with a really funny story at the end...

Thanks to all of you for your kind remarks...I love all of the "hang in there Mookie's!!"

We've gotten better. I only have a few minutes, but just wanted to update all my friends. We have scrapped all touring plans, and now get up leisurely, then go to the pool at the hotel (which the kids love) then come back, take naps, and get to the parks at 3ish. It's not ideal, but it works. We've been able to fit all the "must-do's" in, but have to skip a few others. No big deal. Monday was our lowest of lows. We've had a few more since then (which I will be sure to update when I get home and have more time) but we are taking them all in stride and with a grain of salt. While this trip isn't what we hoped for because of the little guy, we are still going to do what we can to get the most out of our trip for our older ones.

Funny story before we go...we were at Hollywood Studios today, and my youngest ds was (yet again) starting to lose it. We went straight to the ice cream cart, got him one of those HUGE Itakadoodle thingies...and he loved it. There was a mom behind us who kindly handed me some napkins for my two youngest boys. Her first words to me were "I have two like yours....you'll need these!!!" (and I did...we went through a whole package of wipes just cleaning them up from the popsicle mess...but they were happy!)

The funny part of the story was when she said to me "I actually am here with my older two kids...I couldn't take my two youngest kiddos anymore and cut their vacation short and shipped them back home on a plane with dad!!"

Good to see there are others that think like I do. I'll be sure to update more when I have time at home, but just wanted to pop in and say thanks for the words of encouragement and let you know we are still hanging in there...it might be by a thread....but we are hanging in!

 

[crashbb]

Never mind.

 

[~Kristina~]

My three year old on the Stitch ride as the lights go out, "Daddy, we're all going to die in here".

 

[bedillamouse]

There were 10 of us total and we had been at AK most of the day. We did all the things on everybodies list and were making our way out of the park with a stop at Bugs Life. This was the only thing my sister wanted to do while we were there. Both her sons (8 and 6) decided that they wanted to go swimming and announced to everybody that they were no longer going on rides because they were tired.

We sat outside the Tree Of Life for about 5 minutes trying to talk them into going. Of course the more people asked the more they dug in their heels. I volunteered to stay outside with them while they go. My sister was really disappointed because she was really looking forward to taking her kids on her favorite ride (plus both boys were HUGE Bugs Life fans). So as the three of us sat on the bench talking they said they wanted to go swimming? WAIT, you're to tired to walk but not to tired to swim, I asked them. "YEP" they both said.

So I stood up and said:
Me - We're going on this ride.
Nephew 1 - Nope
Me - Yes you are
Nephew 1 - Nope
Me - Well if you're not to tired to swim, then you're not to tired to go on this ride with your mother.
Nephew 1 - If you carry me
Nephew 2 - Yeah, if you carry me.

All of the sudden they both crossed that imaginary line we all have. So I said okay, stand up. Thinking they are calling my bluff they did. I walked around behind them and lifted them both up by the back of the pants and proceeded to walk to the ride carrying both my nephews like luggage. Needless to say they were not thrilled by this. I set them both down and asked them if they were ready to walk yet? NOPE, so back up they go by the seat of their pants. My older DN8 graps one of the rails as we walk by, DN6 sees this and grabs the other. I calmly tell them to let go or I'm going to keep walking. They refuse, so I start walking thinking they'll let go. They're thinking I'll stop. Neither one of us did, but unfortunately for them, they only thing that let go was they pants and in an instant they both had their pants around their knees. I immediately set them down as they frantically pull up their pants, bend down on one knee and ask. "Now, are you ready to walk".

Whenever anybody in my family complains about being tired somone will always say "do you want Bobby to carry you".

This is absolutely THE BEST story I have heard!!! I bet they will remember this and probably never complain like that again!

 

[TammyIsBlessed]

All I have to say is..I LOVE Disneyworld, but right now (after a week of constant togetherness) I like my roomy house more!

And that is exactly why we like to rent a 2000 sq ft house in Windsor Hills instead of staying in a hotel. Especially since we have 4 kids - last time they were 7, 5, 2, 3 months

 

[twinmomplus2new]

How about my mom and I argueing in front of Kali river rapids about my letting go of control and her taking my twins in the stroller on the Tiger trek.

I did let them go was a NERVOUS wreck everyone made it out unscathed..


UNTIL>>> she said she would tkae them with her into the bathroom I said No need they will Aidan Mostly bolt and you can't chase 2 toddlers in 2 directions. leave them in the stroller.
well I don't know how my 6 survived then..
Its fine and off she went.
WELL she did not return with 2 toddlers ONLY1.

And yes I will say I freaked outed really lost it.
A giant fight started all the while I was frantcally running back and forth looking for him. and screaming at my Mother. Whats wrong with you!!!!!!!! Where is My Baby!!!!
To which she replied I only took 1. NO you took 2.
To which a very nice man stepped in looking terrified of me. and said does your little chap have on tan shorts and a brown shirt. he is over here playing in the water.
I threw them in the stroller and everyone else followed me very quietly to the bus.. we went off to the beach club where I sat in the sand area of the pool for the rest of the day.

The following year twins were 2 and a half I was in the beach club pool and the boy's were running back and forth and ai was catching 1. grabbing the other. When I left the lifeguard leaned over and said. Don't take this the wrong way but that was stressful to watch.

Same trip as example number 1. 17 people traveled together. It was labor day and magic kingdom was packed Noone could get on anything. Noone wanted to eat we were all just to hot. one sil wanted to eat. Noone would go with her. So she flipped out and threw us the bird and left. we all looked at each other laughed and didn't move. My 6 year old said to Uncle you better go with her she said to. to which he screamed infront of the haunted mansion. I am a grown man I don't have to listen to her. And my son said Daddy does. well He** no not me! At this point I left with the twins and a few other people. people around us were open mouthed staring.
My brothers took ds6 to epcot where he fell into the fountain.

Good times I tell ya good times!!

 

[LydiaAch]

Never mind.

Huh?

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Huh?

I know, dontcha hate those posts?

 

[abarry90]

We have been that family many times in Disney. We took our 3 sons (DS4, DS 10, DS13) on a special Christmas trip in Dec 2007. I planned so many special things for them and the oldest 2 were HORRIBLE!!!!! The oldest 2 fought so much we told them no Disney for a year (we have APs and usually go 3 to 4 times a year). We took a vacation in April with the youngest (DS4) to Disney and the oldest 2 were not allowed to go..they stayed home.

Well we are planning another trip in November..so I have been brain storming how to avoid the fighting and misery and I came up with the following solution. I ordered 2 t-shirts from vista print. Each one says I love my brother "_______!" with a big red heart and caricature of the named brother on the front. On the back the shirt says in large black letters " I have to wear this stupid t-shirt because I was fighting and being mean to my brother."

They have no idea I bought these...I am going to pull them out of my backpack and make them both wear them for 30 minutes each time they fight. For 10 and 13 year old boys...I am hoping this will quickly stop the fighting!

Wish me luck!!!!

OH MY GAWD! That is AWESOME!!! I can soooooo see that working like a charm. Of course I would GLEEFULLY be hoping that they actually pulled something just so I could spend the next half hour grinning like an idiot at all the other parents who would be smiling and nodding and giving thumbs up!
I can guarantee you only have to use them once on the trip.

Only other thought - you should make the t-shirts bright pink with sparkles!

 

[phins_jazy]

I'm loving all these! I'm sure we'll have plenty of things to add to this thread after our trip. There will be 10 of us going in Dec ranging in age from almost 3 to 80+. The only children are my children so it should be interesting.

 

[MusicRocker11]

My three year old on the Stitch ride as the lights go out, "Daddy, we're all going to die in here".

LOVE IT!!!!

 

[LydiaAch]

Bumping this up...

 

[4HppyCamprs]

I am loving this thread it is helping me with my "Are we the only ones this happens to itis." We are going to WDW in a few months and our DS 4 (who is practicing to be dictator) will of course be going with us. I am hoping it will be magical but I have a feeling I will also be wishing for duck tape to magically appear.
He is such a good boy most of the time and then.....it is like he has been body snatched!