Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Backfire!
Here's what I learned about parenting a long time ago... everything, and I do mean everything, will backfire eventually.
Today, when I picked up H from school, I noticed that his eyes were a little swollen, which wasn't surprising since I've just been sort of waiting to see if his cold results in the umpteenth sinus infection. The first day of the onset is very hard since he gets super cranky. I braced myself, but I didn't give in when he insisted that I carry his hoodie down the hall. Nope. I carry EW, you carry your jacket.
Then, since I didn't carry the hoodie, he was fire spitting' mad when we got to the car, and he insisted that he get in the car first. No big deal. Ahhhh... but he didn't want to go around to his side or climb over from Elgin's side. So, he ended up crumpling on the curb after he tried to block me from putting in Elgin's carseat.
Then, he refused to go to the other side to get in his seat. So, I carried my screaming child. I laughed and said that I was definitely going to have to toss him into his seat. I said, "Are you ready? One... two... three... here we go! "
"You'll hurt me! You'll hurt me! You'll hurt me! You'll hurt me!"
Our audience? An entire class returning from their walk around campus. One teacher even took a few steps out of her path to say hello. I know she was checking for abuse.
And since it's tuition time, another parent got to witness my struggle to get him strapped in while she sat in her car to write a check.
Backfire.
Today, when I picked up H from school, I noticed that his eyes were a little swollen, which wasn't surprising since I've just been sort of waiting to see if his cold results in the umpteenth sinus infection. The first day of the onset is very hard since he gets super cranky. I braced myself, but I didn't give in when he insisted that I carry his hoodie down the hall. Nope. I carry EW, you carry your jacket.
Then, since I didn't carry the hoodie, he was fire spitting' mad when we got to the car, and he insisted that he get in the car first. No big deal. Ahhhh... but he didn't want to go around to his side or climb over from Elgin's side. So, he ended up crumpling on the curb after he tried to block me from putting in Elgin's carseat.
Then, he refused to go to the other side to get in his seat. So, I carried my screaming child. I laughed and said that I was definitely going to have to toss him into his seat. I said, "Are you ready? One... two... three... here we go! "
"You'll hurt me! You'll hurt me! You'll hurt me! You'll hurt me!"
Our audience? An entire class returning from their walk around campus. One teacher even took a few steps out of her path to say hello. I know she was checking for abuse.
And since it's tuition time, another parent got to witness my struggle to get him strapped in while she sat in her car to write a check.
Backfire.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The humor of it
Cory and I both made a decision to be a lot more positive when it comes to dealing with Henry's whining. I know that I can't change others, only myself, so I decided to apply it to my boy. Now, of course, I was thinking that it might have a chance of quelling some of the whiiiiiinnnniiinnngggg, and, guess what. It did.
Every child is different and needs different things, and Henry really, really needs laughter at any expense-mine, his, Daddy's, Penny's, the wall's... anything. If he refuses to get in his bed and wants to lie on the floor and whine, then I say, "Oh, you made me so happy! I really, really wanted to pick you up and toss you in the bed!" The whining stops, and it's replaced with my favorite sound--his laughter.
I also know that not letting on that my skin crawls is part of the reason why the whine is short-lived. I mean, who doesn't like getting under their mother's skin? I know I sure enjoy it. If he's not getting the expected result, then why continue?
And, I know that no child is perfect, but these last few days, I am feeling like everything is back to being pretty close to perfect.
Last night, I thought he was about to start whining after he got in bed, which would have been expected since it was well past his bedtime. He made a sad, pouty lip face and reached for Coco (his favorite stuffed elephant) and said, "Coco always wants to be with me, but, tonight, he has a cold. Mama, I need you to take care of him for me." Then he handed me Coco and selected a different stuffed animal. Once that was over, I asked if he thought Coco might feel better, and he said, "Yes, I can sleep with him now. He's not feeling sick anymore."
Grave subject, but no whining involved.
Every child is different and needs different things, and Henry really, really needs laughter at any expense-mine, his, Daddy's, Penny's, the wall's... anything. If he refuses to get in his bed and wants to lie on the floor and whine, then I say, "Oh, you made me so happy! I really, really wanted to pick you up and toss you in the bed!" The whining stops, and it's replaced with my favorite sound--his laughter.
I also know that not letting on that my skin crawls is part of the reason why the whine is short-lived. I mean, who doesn't like getting under their mother's skin? I know I sure enjoy it. If he's not getting the expected result, then why continue?
And, I know that no child is perfect, but these last few days, I am feeling like everything is back to being pretty close to perfect.
Last night, I thought he was about to start whining after he got in bed, which would have been expected since it was well past his bedtime. He made a sad, pouty lip face and reached for Coco (his favorite stuffed elephant) and said, "Coco always wants to be with me, but, tonight, he has a cold. Mama, I need you to take care of him for me." Then he handed me Coco and selected a different stuffed animal. Once that was over, I asked if he thought Coco might feel better, and he said, "Yes, I can sleep with him now. He's not feeling sick anymore."
Grave subject, but no whining involved.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Yo Ho! Trick or Treat!
Just off the shores of Never Land
A hideaway at sea
A pirate band outwits the plans
Of Captain Hook and Smee
The merry crew of Never Land Pirates
Through and through -- they're jolly buccaneers
Join with Jake and the Never Land Pirates
Come along -- we need some volunteers!
Climb aboard, me hearties, and be a pirate true
Let's go! With Jake and the Never Land Pirates
We'll set the course together. Come on and join the crew!
Yes, I know that my pirate Izzy costume was pretty much a fail, but Henry appreciated my efforts. And a big thanks goes to Baby Ezra (not pictured) who graced us with his candy corn self and braved the chilly weather with Baby Elgin.
I also want to remember that, tonight, Henry loved saying "Trick or Treat!" and thanked everyone for his candy. When he was given multiple pieces, his eyes would light up, and he would turn to me and announce, "She gave me TWO PIECES!" He also loved handing out candy when we were at our own house and even relinquished several boxes of Nerds, this year's favorite candy.
When we were leaving one house, he grabbed my hand and said, "When we get home, I'm going to share my candy with you, Mama. OK?"
My sweet pirate.
Happy Halloween! Yo Ho! Let's Go!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Good morning
Cory let me sleep in and took Henry to school on Tuesday. I got to snuggle with little EW.
My heaven is snuggling with my babies.
A very special visit
Elgin met Granddaddy on Saturday.
Elgin proved to be a good listener, too. His typically random left and right crosses and hooks became a choreographed affair, following Granddaddy's coaching.
You should have heard the silly noises coming from these men.
Giving peas a chance
Henry refuses to eat most things at the beginning of each meal. It's just part of his routine. Tonight, he was making a huge deal out of not liking peas. He did want more cube steak, though, which he could get after he ate his peas. Oh, the drama...
But what's funny is that he likes peas. Do you see any look of distaste on this face?
I think he just likes to put up a fight. He is incredibly strong willed, but, in the end, the hope of steak will win.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)