"Toddlers live large, play hard, and love big. When they get upset, they can start acting irrationally, just like adults do. And they often use emotional outbursts to clear out the bad feelings — which may feel good to them but isn't always easy for you. Before losing your cool, remember that your child's lack of self control is normal and that he'll eventually learn what's socially acceptable by the way you and others react to his antics. Try to respond calmly and enforce the limits you've set so things don't escalate. " -babycenter.com
Is it starting already? I read an article the other day that said raising a toddler is humbling. I agree. Make that a double.
I will admit I'm not quite sure what to do! They are testing us, and that's great-I want them to be spunky and silly and fun. But temper tantrums over the silliest things are getting old! My most serious face and a stern NO brings about fits of giggles! Now I remember thinking as a kid that my mom was kinda funny when she was mad, that must be ingrained in our genetic makeup, but there was a point when I knew she meant business and my dad could stop us in our tracks with one look. Anyway, I try timeouts-a very small toddler version, but they go right back to the same thing they were doing and do it again, and it makes it even MORE fun. For instance, last night it was the couch-yes miss long legged Klaire can get up on the couch now. Fine, but she wants to stand and jump and lean over the edge-she's going to get hurt! So I sat her down 15 million times, then took her off as soon as she'd stand and sat her down in another part of the room by herself (the mini timeout). It became a game, and I became frustrated. Finally, I distracted her with something else but it left me wondering-what the heck am I gonna do!? I don't want to end up one of those families on Super Nanny with completely out of control (unhappy) kids and a crying mom (and dad).
The article also said that toddlers love big, play big, and FEEL big. I definitely see this too. They are so much fun, too!
This is just the beginning of a very testing time...x2.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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3 comments:
Oh the joys of mother hood. :) My brother and his wife have 3 year old twin girls and they are just now going through that same exact thing. The temper tantrums AND the giggling when they tell them no. My daughter is 19, and it doesn't get any different, hehe! I wish you the best of luck...and enjoy those little tantrums, as for one day, they will become BIG ones, hehe!
Laura
p.s. Your girls are absoultly adorable!!!
I was going to say it does get better or maybe you relax a little. Get your bluff in (ha! I still haven't) and maybe put pillows around the bottom of the couch and let her go at it. It might not be so much fun.
Hope things are going well
Love to all!
Jerri
Ahhh, the couch, Gabe (plus daycare kids) partake in the couch 'jungle gym' every day. In fact, they throw off all the basement couch cushions & then jump off the couch onto them. Hello, does this look like a gymnasium?! There have been days where I've repeated myself so many times I thought I'd blow but in all honesty I just let 'em have at it now. With the the cold weather keeping us inside most days, it's a way for them to get physical activity & after all, they are going to explore their new found boundaries whether we parents say No or not! I've also found the less I say No, the sooner they give up & whatever it is that I think is a nuissance.
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