Today we dropped AA off at her new daycare for the first time; she's 11 months so of course she was bawling at being left with strangers. I got a really good feeling from the place, the people running it and the kids, so even though AA freaked out, I felt good about leaving her there. But at the same time I feel tense, insecure and distracted; and as a result, I'm inwardly overreacting to other little things that are coming up at work. So now my shoulders ache, I feel kind of like crying, and I can't really focus on anything very well.
So, perfect time to ask my question of the month, since it has to do with parenting!
We've been blessed with a really easy baby, but she's starting to show signs of willfulness; little things such as frustrated mini-tantrums if something is taken away from her that she wants or if someone is changing her or dressing her (she hates that now). We've started discussing methods of discipline to make sure we're on the same page when it becomes necessary, but we don't really know what to expect until it happens.
I don't really have any yet, but I'd love it if you could share parenting and/or childcare success stories you've either experienced or witnessed. Tell about a time you (or someone you know, or your own parents) dealt well with a challenge. It could be weaning off of a bottle or pacifier; potty training; curbing naughty behavior; calming fear or anxiety in a child; motivating an unwilling student; dealing with bullying -- anything where you felt like a clever or commonsense approach brought a positive resolution to a challenging situation.
Share Your Thoughts: Parenting success stories
February 14th, 2011 at 04:34 pm
February 14th, 2011 at 05:03 pm 1297702989
As far as willfullness, it is funny because BM is VERY easy going. LM is pretty darn easy going, as things go, but he has these moods. I remember when he had his first temper tantrum as a baby and I thought, "Boy, they don't LEARN that." I had never experienced anything like that with BM - I don't think he ever had a tantrum of any sort. It was clear it was ingrained in LM. A mostly easygoing child, but once in a blue moon, full out tantrum freak out. Anyway, I can't say I have 100% figured out how to calm him down over the years. BUT, I give him leeway because I see a lot of myself in him. I assure dh that though my parents will say I was the easiest baby ever, I remember a few tantrums in my time (I can be pretty stubborn!). LM is very similar, and I assure dh he will outgrow it. Like me, he tends to reserve that behavior for just his parents. Lucky us! But he understands how to behave civilly at school, etc. So, phew.
February 14th, 2011 at 05:39 pm 1297705157
I don't believe in spanking so I do plan to use the water discipline method if/when the time comes.
My daughter is 1 1/2 and I have used time outs with her but its very hard because she won't stay in the time out. She is much better for my husband than me. I guess that I need to be more firm. Is there one of you that she is better for you when you're getting her dressed? It's natural for one person to take on the more disciplinary role.
February 14th, 2011 at 07:42 pm 1297712546
Potty training --- the caregiver DD had was THE best. She had her trained for daytime in 1 day! Took DS to toilet every 20 minutes (with a reward of some sort). That really did work -- at home the same has to follow through.
Tantrums -- maybe at AA's age distraction may work (for awhile). I never had too much of an issue with timeout for DD - she has been good but now the teen years are looming...... The show Supernanny seems to always have issues with timeout.
February 15th, 2011 at 01:40 am 1297734003
Other than that - just let your little one comes to stages (potty training, giving up a bottle, etc.) when she's ready and try not to stress about where she "should" be. Enjoy seeing that little personality come out!
February 16th, 2011 at 11:50 pm 1297900235
February 17th, 2011 at 12:10 am 1297901453