Replies to 'My Friend/Relative Won't Discipline!'

Quote From: grayhaired

Anyone have some advice for correcting mealtime behavior?  I have 2 boys that are 4 and 6.  We have a couple issues but one of the big ones is mealtime.  It's a constant battle.  They are silly the whole time and it drives us nuts.  They just feed off each other.  They start making silly jokes or noises or burping etc.  and they just won't stop.  We've tried the time out chair.  Every time they are told to stop and they don't they have to go sit.  Well they could care less.  We've sent them away without eating and then they don't get their usual snack later.  It doesn't matter.  Now I'm having my 6 year old write (which he hates) if he's naughty but it still doesn't seem to stop it.  I've written down on a sign "Quiet at the table" because I read that in a book.  Doesn't work.  Do I have to have them eat one at a time just to avoid the situation?  We have a sit down meal every evening and I'd hate for them not to be included.  I know part of it is just boys being silly but another is them knowing it aggravates us so they do it more.  That's  a theme with our older one.  He lives to aggravate us even if he gets in trouble.  Unfortunately for us we're both easily riled partly because of his ongoing behavior.  The older one definitely falls under the category of what they call "spirited".  Any suggestions?  He is considered gifted in some areas and needs constant stimulus or he creates it.  ie, aggravation.  Help!