Oh YES! It's amazing how much they know. . . They know SO MUCH, they interrupt you before you can finish explaining something to them! (because they already know it!).
I'll bet you have experienced this to:
You: "What you doing on my computer, son?"
Him: "Oh, nothing."
Yes?
There comes a time where he is "smart enough" to understand that he has to learn to respect other people's property. Hey, turn the tables on him with this scenario:
"Hey son, suppose you had a computer all of your own so you could do anything you wanted with it? How would you like that?!"
(you know what's going through his head <ggg>)
He replies: "That would be GREAT dad! When do I get it? What kind can I get?. . . etc."
You: "Son, wait. . . Let's suppose some more. . . Suppose someone else in the family, brother, sister, etc., turned on YOUR computer, changed some of your files, deleted some of your files, read some of your private files, changed the wallpaper, and really caused you a lot of trouble. How would you feel about it? What would you do about it?"
Then, let him hang himself. <ggg>
Then, lay the law down as to what he can and cannot do with YOUR computer (according to HIS rules from above) and come to a good understanding about it.
I'm sure he's smart enough to understand the process. . . He will also understand that it is part of 'growing up'.
When he asks "When do I get my computer?", just say "Oh, that was only a 'supposition' statement so I could make my point about MY computer."
Good luck,
Joe
Edit: Yes, I have made the same mistakes you have made. . . But, it's not too late!
Joe |
