Reply #35: You can't go back on your word.

[Fleshdancer]

Presents are a privilege, not a right and if they want messy rooms instead of gifts, so be it. In the real world, actions have consequences and if they don't learn this important lesson now, then life is going to kick their asses when they're on their own.

Do you have presents wrapped and under the tree yet? If so, remove them and take them to your neighbor's house or a friends house...somewhere the kids can't find them. Be sure to take ALL of them for dramatic effect. Tonight explain to them that their current behavior and lack of chores is the reason why the presents are gone. Emphasize that this was NOT your decision. It was THEIR decision. THEY knew what would happen if they didn't behave and THEY decided to not clean their rooms, etc.

They're going to beg and plead and probably try to strike a deal with you. It's up to you if you want to negotiate. If it were me, the original conditions would apply plus they would have to volunteer at a homeless shelter.

If they still don't get their acts together, then the gifts you got for them can be used for their next birthdays or next Christmas. If you want to be a real hard ass, you could unwrap their gifts, drive them to Goodwill, and make them donate their gifts.

Whatever you do, don't feel guilty and make sure you and your wife are together on this. Your job as a parent is to prepare your kids to be successful on their own some day and responsibility is an extremely important lesson to learn early in life. Good luck.