The Twinkies turned two on May 15, and almost instantly we encountered behaviors that have left us wondering how we will survive the next year (or more). All of a sudden our adorable, well mannered children don't want to eat things they've loved for the past year and refuse to do the simple tasks that we ask them to do which they have done numerous times. On various occasions during the past few weeks I have reached a point with Tanner and/or Abigail (sometimes both) that I have yet to achieve along my journey as a parent. Whether it be potty time, feeding time, playtime, or bedtime, my children have found ways to leave me feeling flustered, frustrated, and overwhelmed. They have both mastered the word "NO" and have entered the stage of "MINE" which usually involves hitting/slapping and lots of tears from one or both parties involved.
A few days ago I experienced a breakthrough...I found a loop-hole. Not one that will solve all of my problems but one that has helped me deal with a BIG problem, at least for now. The other morning I put Abigail on the potty in the nursery while I changed Tanner's diaper and dressed him...our normal morning routine. For the past few days I had had a difficult time keeping Abigail ON the potty. She would bring books to Tanner, run across the room to play with the closet doors, and even go wake up Daddy in the other room (butt naked). Instead of getting angry I simply said, "Abigail, show Tanner how you sit on the potty." She stopped, looked up at me, and walked over to the potty where she sat down slowly with a HUGE smile on her face. "Tanny, look," she replied. Each time she started to get up I would say something like, "Tanner look at Abby sitting on the potty." and she would sit back down...hallelujah!
Then we went downstairs where I made their breakfast. Usually they share some fruit and yogurt but today neither of them wanted ANY of it so instead of throwing it out I threw it all into the blender, added a little milk, more fruit and VOILA...a smoothie. Pouring it into a glass and using a straw, I offered it to each of them...they both pushed it away. Then I said, "Tanner, show Abigail how you can drink with the straw." He immediately smiled, opened his mouth, and took several big gulps. Then it was Abigail's turn. "Watch how Abby drinks with the straw," I said to Tanner. I continued like this until the smoothie was completely gone...towards the end I didn't have to say anything...they just happily watched each other take their turn drinking from the glass.
As thew grow up and become more independent I realize they aren't going to want to do/eat everything I say/cook. They want to do more for themselves and be in control...I get that. They also enjoy being the center of attention and pleasing their family and friends. My new parenting "trick" combines all of this. In the end I get what I want and they get to feel more independent and important as an individual...it is a win/win situation. I plan to use this "trick" as long as it works..you know, until they are 18 (yeah, right).
No comments:
Post a Comment