Does it make me a terrible SM?

bakerbarre00

I am seriously considering telling my DH that he needs to put his DD in daycare because I don't want to take care of her. She's getting into that bratty 7yo stage and I just don't think I can take her mouthing off to me with a screaming baby who needs my attention as well. She can be a sweet girl, but she doesn't listen. I know aren't suppose to listen, but it's so she doesn't get hurt. I don't know what to do and I feel bad about this, since I made the commitment to watch her for the summer break. Plus, it's helping us financially, but I'm not sure my sanity is worth saving money. 

DaringMiss

Doesn't make you a horrible step mother.  There are a ton of biological mothers who go a little stir crazy with a small infant and a 7 year old who has decided to get your limited attention by acting out.

I would look into some summer camps that your SD would enjoy.  Not as expensive as day care, but something to utilize her extra energy and give you some extra energy to deal with her when she is with you. 

twister22

There's about 9 weeks of summer break left, right? Why don't you brainstorm some summer camps SD can go to instead of daycare. It's more cost effective and likely more fun for SD. What about a week at a local VBS? Those are typically on the cheaper side, and a few hours each day. And how about a camp at the Y, the zoo, etc? 

+just+j+

No, it does not make you a terrible SM, but would make you one if you lost your cool and took it out on her.  Either consider some summer camps, play dates, and other activities to help with the stress, or maybe look at putting her in daycare half the time.

You might also want to research other discipline and parenting techniques for the particular issues you are having and work on them with her. I have on occasion researched ways to handle DD and her defiance and tantrums.

Have you tried 123 Magic?  We talked about here recently.  I started using that and it works like a charm. Life is easier in my household. Google the book.  You might be surprised.

hopanka

Seems like she is bored. Find her age appropriate activities in the community, and behaviors should improve.

HisChamaoleGirl

hopanka:

Seems like she is bored. Find her age appropriate activities in the community, and behaviors should improve.

this is what we are doing for the two weeks of SS visit that neither DH or I can take off work. I try to keep him busy, but he always has more fun with kids his age and age appropriate activities.

2chatter

I sent my own 5 year old to day care when I had a baby.  She thrives on routine, wanted to see her friends and did not have any interest being home with me.  So I say send her.  And here, DC is WAY cheaper than camps (except VBS or GS camps noted above.  Those are my "cheap weeks" - most other camps are $250/week).  You could always pay for DC and some days not leave her there all day and take her out to do something fun.  I did that with DD - because she was there MOST of the time, after nap some days I would get her and we would run out to the spray park, etc.