My two kids are like night and day! Their differing personalities and temperaments sometimes really try my patience. DS (8) is a homebody and prefers to stay HOME. DD (6) is a social butterfly and loves to go places and see people. No matter what we do I have an unhappy kid! LOL! I must mention that DD is a busy child and needs social activities or she's a handful, but getting DS to go out and about is like pulling teeth. Last week I took the kids to our local pool. DD was on cloud nine but DS grumbled and complained the entire time. So much so that it was NOT enjoyable for me! Today is supposed to be a gorgeous day and I'd like to go somewhere or do something fun but I know DS will give me grief. We could stay home and hang out in the yard but then DD will be antsy if she doesn't get social contact. GRRRRRR!! I can't win! I LOVE summer but I'm starting to look forward to the start of school!

By Kaye on Monday, August 9, 2004 - 09:23 am:

Trina, I have this too. My middle son (8 also) would rather never leave the house. Basically I give him two choices, he can go and fake it or we can stay home and he can be grounded..LOL. This summer I have dragged him out enough that he is doing a bit better, it is like he finally has let go and realized that it is fun. Of course that is if it is fun...I made the mistake of taking him shopping yesterday...school starts here next week!

By Eve on Monday, August 9, 2004 - 09:51 am:

I never thought about this, since I have one to drag around with me. She's both the complainer on days she wants to stay home, and my social butterfly.LOL!

I would just keep doing what your're doing. I would give DS a choice of something else to bring to keep him busy. (Game boy or a book or something) I would say he doesn't always have to enjoy himself, but I wouldn't stop planning and going. If he's nagging at you that he wants to go home, try having an "energy drain" and "What a bummer that the complaining is draining all your energy! Now, you are going to have to stay even longer to rest!" LOL!

What about telling DS, that he chooses a day of fun. (Staying home, not a choice) He chooses where you eat lunch, and where you go. Maybe giving him free reign, he will plan something fun for you. Then, let DD do the same thing.

Good luck! I hope you get some creative ideas.

By Melanie on Monday, August 9, 2004 - 11:43 am:

I love Eve's idea. I would definitely give that a try!

For Alec, I often suggest he bring a book along with him. He is really into the Animorphs series right now, so that is always a good option for him. If he doesn't want to participate where we are, he takes out his book. It doesn't always prevent the complaining, but it does help!

And, like Eve said, those energy drains can be very effective. My boys have each had to replace energy after they turned a day of intended fun into a day of whining. LOL. For them that means extra jobs when we get home, something they always want to prevent. Usually one "Oh, I feel an energy drain coming on" is all it takes now.

By Mommyathome on Monday, August 9, 2004 - 03:20 pm:

My kids are fairly easy going. But, I can see that my DD (almost 5) is going to be giving me problems soon! She is starting to make little comments about what she does and doesn't want to do. She's always been my "handfull" So far, I just decide what we are doing and the kids just go along with it. They are quite happy to get out of the house. I let them take turns choosing where we go for lunch, or if we get gas and a treat at gas station "A" or gas station "B".