How can I get my son(s) to behave?

Question

Hello,
I am a single father raising 2 boys. They are 10 and 12.

Lately they have BOTH been acting out. My 12 year old has gotten suspended from school twice already this year for language, and my 10 year old seems to be picking up on his brothers bad habits.

When I ask my 12 yr old to do something, he gives me lip. I try sending him to his room, and I practically have to drag him there. I have tried grounding him, taking away his video game systems, taking away TV, etc. Im running out of options!

I do not like being sworn at by my children. I thought that I raised them better than this.

My 10 yr old swore at me the other day and I spanked him. I havent done it for a long time but I thought it was time for one. I do NOT believe this is abuse, but I still feel bad about it.

But my 12 yr old is getting a little too old for spankings. I just am running out of options. Help please! I dont want him going down the wrong path.. I am a firm believer in respect.

Answer 1

I have to comment on this, when I was a boy of about 15 I told my mother I was to big for a spanking and told her she couldn't do it and was to slow to catch me, well WRONG. She did and I know I must have given her a fit because she told me that as long as I lived in her house and she meant it I was going to get discipline. She said I was not to old for a spanking and I got my last one when I was 16. I am a better man for it so I say your 12 year old should get the same when he acts like a younger child. Don't back down or when he is 15 you will really have your hands full.

Answer 2

Fix the 12 year old and that should take care of the 10 year old. My brother (younger) did the same thing and because he saw that I didn't get punished he kept up with his behavior even after I was gone. As far as the 12 year old being to old for spankings-bull puckey!. If thats the only thing you haven't tried, then I would suggest trying it. Don't feelo bad that you have to do it. Feel bad when your kid is in trouble with the law when he gets older. If it takes a good ole fashion "whuppin" then so be it. Better that than bailing Junior out of jail. My parents hardly ever hit me and by doing so did not do me any favors. I haven't been in trouble with the law but I haven't been a big success. I cut high school alot and paid for it later on in life. I also started my brother on a path he never recovered from just by being an example. Nip this in the bud now or pay for it later.