True confessions
Jan 10, 2006 Parenting
Noah and I just got done trying to read half a chapter in a history book together while Madison screamed at us, kicked the book, demanded cookies, threw her sippy cup and was otherwise insane. Why? Because the hour she spent cuddling with me was over and she still wanted my full attention. So I set her up with markers at the window to color while Noah and I finished up but she turned and colored on the wall (understandable) so I had to take the markers. Big fit ensued. I began to lose it and decided a time out (for me) was in order. Now she is outside the door screaming and kicking it while I type in here.
Christ, toddlers are hard.
Ok, back into the fray.
January 10th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
Now it’s my turn to say YOU are doing the right thing….:-)
I haven’t gotten to toddlerhood yet, but came across “the happiest toddler on the block”, by Harvey Karp. He did the “happiest baby”, which I loved and felt it really did help.
You have to get over the equating young children to cave people, but once you do that, I think he gives some good insight to brain development and how to relate to toddlers on their own level.
Of course, I won’t be trying his techniques out on MY child–til my best friend gives me feedback on how they worked for her toddler.
Hang in there!!!
January 10th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
Yes, toddlers are VERY hard. Preschoolers are hard. Babies are hard. They all are hard stages to deal with. One stage only becomes easy when you have passed it and moved to the next one. I love getting out the camera or video and recording X’s fits. It works every time (almost ;/)!
January 10th, 2006 at 2:39 pm
Ha ha, that’s the spirit!
January 10th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
I keep forgetting about time outs for mommy & daddy. I think we need more of those at home.
Good luck!
January 10th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Do what you have to do girl! And can I relate? You betcha… 3 year old glaring at me as we speak. I’m not letting him have fruit snacks.
January 10th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
Oh, yes. I know this one well. Homeschooling the teen while the toddler tries to kick him in the balls is a daily occurance here at Chez Age Gap from Hell.
I fear the teenager will grow up to be a little dumb.
January 10th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
Our son turned one just before Christmas. He’s always been a happy, good-natured child. But now the toddler years are approaching.
Our son is beginning to display signs of independence teamed with frustration when he doesn’t get his way. This past Sunday while at mass, our son wanted Daddy to walk him around. Daddy said no and wouldn’t set him down. Our son growled, arched his back in Daddy’s arms, and then proceeded to slap Daddy on the head!
I must confess, it was quite difficult not to laugh at the shocked look on my husband’s face!
After mass, my husband tells me how he can’t believe our son hit him. He’s never done that before! My response, “Welcome to the toddler stage.”