I have just threatened to suck my children's hamster up in the vacuum?

Question

They are absolutely refusing to tidy their rooms - do you think I'm being cruel?

Ok, enough - hammy is safe - it's the rabbit that will get it! Too big for vacuum - any suggestions?

Answer 1

are you related to Freddy Starr?

Answer 2

i always say that you should never break a promise,so if you promise a particular punishment, then you must see it through or the kids will soon learn that you do not mean what you say and will carry on defying you,
but that said, you could not possibly keep that promise, lmao.
instead, try hitting them where it will hurt the most,ie, stopping pocket money, banning television, computer or playstation, not allowing them out ( if they are old enough ) or not allowing friends in, if they have a party or other outing coming up then tell them that they are not allowed to go,
but remember, whatever you promise you must stick to, i know it is hard but it will only take a couple of times for them to learn that you do mean what you say, and then they will start to listen and respond to your requests.
good luck, no one ever said parenting was easy.

Answer 3

You can't get your kids to clean their room??? And how old are they??? I hope 2 and under... I say strip their room of everything they find entertaining. Take away the movies, the TV, the games. Make them stay in their room and not come out until its clean, and if they sneak out...then snatch them up and place them right back in that messy room.

Sometimes, when my daughter doesn't listen to me. I sit and stare at her for about 5 seconds...The look tells her hells about to break loose and another side of mommy is about to be let loose unless she does what I have asked now. I'm really too sweet and I hate being mean. So my empty stare at her concerns her A LOT and gets her moving. That's just my advice though :D

Answer 4

Well, although we ALL make outrageous threats like this to our children, we also know that it's not going to happen and so do your children. Bedroom cleaning is a constant issue in our house (we have seven children). I have just had to crack down and let them know that this is a very high priority and if it's not done then don't ask me for anything. No tv, no computer, no phone, no going anywhere, nothing until their rooms are clean. I was very diligent about it and now it is working pretty well. Whenever they ask me for something, I just ask if their room is clean. If they say yes, I go check it and if it is they we discuss whether or not they can do whatever it is that they wanted to do. If its not clean then they know that they have to claen it before I will even discuss what it is that they want to do. Good luck and have a Blessed day. And remember, I know that you felt like you needed to say something extreem to them but like I said they all know that you are not going to suck up their pet, try telling them that you are going to take away tv or vidio games for the day. If they don't believe you then you have to do it. They will start to believe you if you do this and stick to it everytime.

Answer 5

The hamster didn't make the mess. I would tell your kids that if they don't clean their room that you will make them pack up all their belongings and help you cart it off to the local goodwill (or other type of charity place). If they don't take you seriously, go get some boxes or garbage bags and start packing stuff up yourself. Whether or not you actually ship their stuff off is another story, they may get it and want to keep their items and start cleaning their room. However if they don't get it, hold strong to your threats and make them help you every step of the way - such as packing, loading, and dropping it off. I had to to that with my son and you can bet his room is very clean now. As for the pets, leave them out of it for now unless they are neglecting them too, then offer to make your kids help the pets find a new home.

Answer 6

yes it is cruel.
you are telling your children that if they dont get their own way they can threaten an innocent animal and kill it.
You are not setting a good example.
How old are you children?
If they are old enough to tidy it themselves just leave them to it. You dont have to live in it do you? if they wont it messy it is their choice. They will soon realise they cant find things and will do it.

Answer 7

LMFAO!!! That's a good one. I have to remember that one. I don't think its cruel unless you actually do it. I have a 3 year old and her big thing right now is candy (since halloween just passed) so I've been threatening to throw out her candy. I mostly threaten to take one of her favorite toys away and it usually works. what will work I guess depends on the age of ur kids.

Answer 8

Yes watch out for those lethal killer rabbits you never know when theyre going to go crazy . No not cruel but i find that funny in a sick way .

Answer 9

Are you willing to follow through with this? Threats only work if you follow through. Try taking away whatever is on the floor and making them earn it back by keeping their rooms clean.

Answer 10

Sorry that sounded funny for a minute. If they can not keep their room/pets clean maybe they are not ready for them. You could offer them to a new home. Try FREECYCLE.org

Answer 11

Slightly cruel, yes. My rule of thumb is...don't threaten with anything you aren't willing to see through. In other words, if your kids don't comply, will you really do it? If not, I'd change that threat to something you will enforce.
Good luck!!