I am learning all about "Time Outs". You see, I decided to have a little attitude the past couple of days. In particular, I'm jealous of my little brother getting attention from Mommy. Any attention at all. So I'm retaliating in a big way. Yesterday alone, I tried to sit on his face when Mommy turned her back. I also bit him and scratched his leg. Any chance I get, I'm pulling his hair.
Mommy has to admit, it has been very trying. She keeps reassuring me that she loves me very much but when I do something like pulling Jonah's hair, I have to understand that there are consequences. Let's just say, I'm learning how to count to three in a very speedy manner. If I don't stop what I'm doing (or about to do), then I go to "Time Out". Since I don't understand that Time Out means I have to stay in one spot, I am getting sent to my crib. She is also really, really focusing on the biting. I got my first little taste of soap today. I bit Mommy so she got a little shot of liquid soap on her finger and put it on my tongue in response. It didn't taste good.
Mommy is trying very hard to stay calm in some of these "moments". It has been particularly hard because sometimes I don't really understand that I'm doing something bad. Sometimes, I think I'm playing. So she is trying to be very consistent in her responses and follow-through. For example, my Time Outs are until I stop crying and then when she comes to get me out, I have to sign "sorry". We are also working on the signs for "Hurt" and "Sad" so I can understand the result of my actions. Sometimes I understand but most often, I don't. So we'll keep working on it together. But Mommy's prayers have been pretty interesting lately...first bartering for sleep... now for patience, patience, patience...
One success is that we are finally starting to get back on our schedules. AND Jonah and I are almost to the point of taking naps at the same time! We've also made big strides in eating. I'm starting to put the fork or spoon to my mouth every time I eat. I just forget that when I'm done with it, I have to put the utensil back on the tray and not in my lap (I let go as soon as I get the food in my mouth).
Tomorrow, we have a big day. Jonah has a doctor's appointment and then we are all heading to the Navy base to get our ID's updated. We also have to get new tabs for both of the cars. But while we are out, we plan on having a nice family lunch.
If there are any other Mommy's out there that have advice regarding my new little attitude, it would be appreciated. It's not drama all the time with me and my brother but Mommy really wants to stop my actions now before they get worse. Thank you!
3 comments:
Kristy..I feel for you. When oldest started biting son I got her a teething toy. She was instricted to bite that everytime bite that when she felt like biting. Not her brother. As far as the hitting, I've read and applied what I read to hold the childs arm at the side of their body and tell them no, that it hurts. youngest used to hit hubby a lot. maybe set up a reward system with stickers and an extra video? But keep being consistant. I've learned this the hard way. Hugs. Sending prayers up.
Kristy,
Just keep on being consistent and know that one day he will get it.
I know it's much easier said than done - especially when it doesn't seem like he's ever going to understand. Trust me I've been there.
Also when I find myself loosing patience with my son Cameron I have to remind myself that he's doing the best he can for himself where he is at this very moment.
And lots of prayers. "Ok, God you gave me this child, could you give me some help! Please?" Or sometimes just a "Oh, Lord help me!"
Sounds like you're doing all you can and doing a good job. Guess that's why patience is a virtue. It doesn't come easy...
Take care!
Rebecca
Cameron and Nathan's mom
Biting is one of those non-verbal behaviors all toddlers go through. Each of my children reacted differently to being told no. I do know that biting back and other unpleasant reactions won't work.
The problem that he wants something, and he can't tell you what it is. Miss E only resorted to biting a few times. I recall being very stern, looking her right in her eyes and telling her "ow, that hurt" and looking very displeased.
Miss E is also a bit of a bully. She actually knocks down her five year old brother. She takes his toys, and does what she can to use the word "mine" all of the time.
Two is a tough age. Things will get better mama.
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