toddler vs patience

May 03

Posted by: Scott in: blog, caleb isaiah, family, memories, parenting

Caleb is really beginning to test his limits. Saying no/refusing, not necessarily because he dislikes the task at hand, but just to see what happens when he says no. I bought some Easy Ups for diaper changing in an effort to make things go more smoothly, because he never wants to lay down. He caught on pretty quick, and he drops down and tucks his knees to his stomach and plants his arms firmly against his sides with his hands underneath the ball. Somewhat annoying at best. I lost my patience in the bath tub this morning and tried out a little smack on the butt. He got pretty upset and I felt pretty bad (and of course the speech therapist called in the middle of the escapade). I don’t think it is something I want to continue in the future. He’s a good kid overall, and I want him to behave out of respect, manners, and morals rather than fear of getting in trouble or being spanked, etc. I’ve been reading Dr. Sears’s book on discipline (can you tell?). God made toddlers cute for a reason. They require large amounts of patience. Caleb has also upgraded his tantrum mechanism. He throws his hand out in front of him repeatedly (with his fingers positioned in the sign language formation for the word no) and just screeches with high levels of frustration. He still comes to me for a hug during these times a lot. I try to talk to him calmly and quietly, and tell him that I understand he is frustrated and that it is okay, etc. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t. Distraction and/or redirection still work reasonably well. He is thankfully trying to communicate more, but just basic words. I look forward to being able to have a two way conversation at times like these.

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