New!!

Jennifer - posted on 11/11/2008

thanks a lot! yeah its definately a combination of the age of testing to see how far she can get and the adjustments in her life. im glad she is potty trained though cause if we threw that in now she would be crazy! she was done at 21 months (so glad she was an easy one with that!). but consistancy is the most important thing hey? and sometimes it would be a lot easier to give in, but then we have to remember that kids thrive on consistancy and even though giving in may be an instant solution, its repercussions are going to be worse. if they get away with it once, they will continue the behavior for WAY longer. do you ever feel like you are a mean mom when you have to time out or take things away or when you know they are just acting out because they are sad or upset? because you still have to discipline because they need to know its not ok to act like that.

Cathy - posted on 11/11/2008

Kelly - I agree, my oldest will be 3 in Feb. also!

Jennifer - I have the same make up. My first son (Mikey) was born Feb 9th, '06 and I just had my second son (Joey) April 17th, '08. Mikey is big for his age and always has been. He was born 9 ' 6 and 22 in. long, and remains in the 80 - 90th percentile for his age. So ever since he could understand us we have been telling him he needs to be nice and gentle. He's been attending daycare since he was 3 months old and had 3 other little friends start at that time that are around his age. Because we drilled it into him from day one, it seemed to have worked. Just being repetitive and lots of praise. We have occasional time outs and lately we've had worse days with listening but we just remain consistent and added treats for good behavior. (ie. an extra story at bedtime, a 'special drink' which is just a fruit smoothie, alone time with me or my husband - no baby, sometimes a little toy like a matchbox car) and we talk about sharing all the time, cause it's going to come up when Joey starts walking and playing more!!

And good for you for not giving in. We don't do that either, and some days I really want to. Our bargaining chips lessen, like instead of eating all the veggies it turns into "Okay, just eat this one piece." But sticking to your guns is important. And like you said, it took a couple of weeks, but that's expected. Your older child had to adjust to a new person in the house and then another little one that is making her share her toys. She's had 2 big changes this year, she's just acting out, letting you know that I'm not happy with all these new arrangements. But it will get better. Hang in there. :)

Jennifer - posted on 11/10/2008

ps she's not a bad kid at all, just needs a little more headstrong then most. as long as she is occupied she is great...idle times mean frustrated times!

Jennifer - posted on 11/10/2008

my daughter is going to be 3 in january. is your a handful too? mine is very smart, funny (witty actually), a goofball and lots of fun...BUT man does that kid have a mind of her own. if she doesnt want something or wants something and we dont give in right away TEMPER. we dont give in to her because she needs to learn patience and that the world doesnt revolve around her, but man it makes my head spin. i have a 7 month old as well and babysit a 15 month old as well during the week. she loves her sister to pieces but she takes all her frustrations out on this poor little boy. pushes him as soon as im not looking takes things away from him, screams at him if he is in her way...its crazy! time outs are finally just starting to work now, and she actually stays put until i come and get her. im just wondering if any of this sounds familiar or maybe not if this is your only child? the past week has been better with babysitting but it took 5 weeks for this to happen. sometimes i just dont know what to do!