[xanth]

I am still recovering from the surgery and cannot deal with this stress!
My step son is really acting out toward me (six years of age). I told him over and over, not to pester my 14 year old cat. His father has gone over it time after time.
In additition, I set up a computer in the spare bedroom and allowed them to play games on it. Things where going good with the time share; however, when it came for the next hour for the other child the step son stood on the computer to distract and destroy his sister time.
I let both these incidents go, and just warn him in a stern voice. Then it came to her time almost up (10 min left in the hour), he aggravated her and I try telling him that was not right and he walked away from me not listening.
That was the last straw as I sat in my room getting angry, I went in the room and shut down the computer and told him to stay in his bedroom.

[MissyChrissy]

He's getting away with too much. It's not enough to just sternly say something. My kids must listen. If they don't with the 1st verbal warning, then the parent gets up and physically removes the child from the bad behavior. This happens each and every time, even if it has to happen 50 times in a day.

Here's how it would play out here: The 1st minute he "bugged" his sister he should have had the warning. When he didn't stop, then he should have been removed and sent to his room or time out chair or whatever. But he wouldn't have had the opportunity to pick on anyone for 1 hour.

Kids forget-especially at that age. When it comes to the cat, I'd expect to have to constantly remind him. If it's continuous-like he doesn't even pause, then again time out, or even losing computer privileges or a favorite toy.

It can't all be about punishment and discipline though. Perhaps some positive distraction (like playing a game) with him while his sister was on the computer would help. Kids NEED that and respond well to it.

Kids are receptive, and will put out what is put into them.