Toddler Time!
SA loves to eat baguettes. She even knows how to pull out the soft part that she can chew easily. The ladies at the boulangerie (bakery) love her and they are always giving her free little cookies called "cigarettes". You know, the kind that sometimes comes in ice cream at fancy restaraunts. And, I think Pillsbury makes one called a Pirouhette. Anyway, she likes to carrry our bread out of the boulangerie. She calls it "B" and she will start trying to bite into it,if I don't get it from her fast. All of this is very endearing, however, some not very endearing behavior has commenced as well. I need some toddler tips from those of you experienced ones out there.
She has started hitting things when she is mad, and she gets mad alot. She likes to throw little fits when she doesn't get her way, etc, etc. Of course, all of this is normal and I realize that it is part of the sinful condition of mankind, but how do I deal with this behavior with a 14 month old? She throws things down that she doesn't want, and if my foot or head happens to be in the way, it really hurts! I know that there is no malicious intent here, and I know that it is my job to teach her self control. But just how much self control should one expect from a 14 month old?
Books: I am reading Dare to Discipline by Dobson and Shepherding a Child's Heart by some other guy. Bec suggested Grace Based Parenting. Anyone else have any recommendations? The Carnster is coming in a couple of weeks, so I think I'll load her suitcase down with books in English- they are pretty hard to get here. :)
4 comments:
Well, I'm not a mom, so I don't have any advice... but if it makes you feel any better, Jeremiah is doing a lot of the same stuff. His latest thing is when someone tells him "no", he arches his back, throws back his head, and cries crocodile tears!
P.S. Is there a good time to call you guys?... we hope to have some exciting news soon (and no I'm not pregnant!)
Toddler years are so hard! It is always hard to try to figure out what they comprehend/are capable of and what you can hold them accountable to obey. I would really pray for discernment and that God would soften her heart to your instruction. And then I would pray for lots of patience! I did NOT use the Baby Wise book with either child. But I did like the one for toddlers...maybe called toddler wise or something. Same author as Baby Wise. They give some good suggestions for tantrums and self control. It worked well with Jaybird. Toot still receives a lot of spankings on his little hands and sometimes his bottom. His free spirit is beautiful, but hates boundaries. So just remember, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Love you! It is so good to hear from you.
welcome to my world. i have no idea what you should do, but i think you are wise to consider both that you need to teach her self control and also that she is a baby. you don't want to start dealing with it a year from now once a habit has formed, but you also want to deal with her graciously- don't ask me how this looks. for me, sometimes books are just condemnation, or "do this and your life will work perfectly." that is to say, don't let a book make you feel like there is an easy answer or a guaranteed result, just do the best you can. God is faithful. i can't wait to see her, that she has a personality and says things is amazing to me. i mean, i have met her ONCE and she was like five months old. people who read this might think that's no big deal, except that I'm her aunt! george and I just don't want to be the random bobby and polly in her life! ha ha!
Philip called bread "B" also! So cute. I wish I could see SA in person (and you, of course). I agree with A about books not being a formula for perfect children. There are some older, wiser people out there who've got good things to share, but sometimes you can take things with a grain of salt, hold them up against Scripture, pray to be able to discern the kooks from the others (I'll refrain from naming names here), and trust our God who loves our sweet babies even more than we do--nearly impossible for me to imagine. Even at 21 months, Philip is a mix when he's "naughty"- a little bit baby, a little bit defiant boy. He's SO easy most of the time, and people keep telling us we're doomed with the next one, but we'll see. All I know is N and I really enjoy the heck out of our little boy, even when he's disobedient or saying "Mine, mine, me, me" (he prefers this to "no"). I'll keep praying for you.
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