As Rachel approaches her birthday, I've realized the seriousness of the age 2. I've been thinking lately that bi-polar disease may have first been observed in a two year old.
Today, Rachel went from a sobbing inconsolable maniac to a sweet laughing little girl. The sweet times certainly make the manic parts a little easier. Especially, when Rachel says things like, "Thank you, Daddy" and gives Tim raspberries on his tummy or gives the baby a kiss.
However, there are always the well-meaning people that tell you that the "Terrible Twos" actually last until age 5. I usually respond, "So you mean, I have a lot to look forward to."
Tim and I are definitely having some frustrating moments. It's really amazing how different Rachel can be.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Ripping our hair out
Posted by Leah at 6:42 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Leah,
I don't think it lasts that long. You might have an incident every now and then but the craziness doesn't last that long especially if you consistently train her what appropriate behavior is. i have boys so maybe I don't know exactly what it's like for little girls. I really do think that it will get better for you tho. Caleb is almost 5 and we only have the bipolar thing every now and then when he doesn't get enough sleep. And Isaac is 3 and we hardly ever have to deal with mood swings from him.
I agree with Liz. Although Sophia is still two she is taking baby steps and improving her attitude as she is understanding more and becoming more reasonable. Besides, I think the babies that are extra frustrating are made extra cute, so we don't strangle them!
I totally agree on the cuteness thing.
I suppose Tim and I sometimes get lost on what exactly to do at the moment of explosiveness. She's not listening and all she's doing is crying hysterically.
Maybe I should read "Shepherding a Child's Heart".
Leah, when Ellie gets that way (explosive crying)for no good reason, we do time out. We put her in her crib until she has calmed down. It seems to have helped a little. The problem I have with SACH is that he promotes spanking for the first transgression, every time. God doesn't even treat us that way. I mean, he disciplines us, but he also doles out a lot of grace. And the bible says 'spare the rod spoil the child' (something like that) but it doesn't explicitly say we have to have that as our sole means of discipline. I mean, we do spank, but we do time outs and taking away privileges. These also work really great.
I agree completely. (Lots of agreement on these comments!) I feel like when I spank Rachel when she's that way it just makes it worse. We're both frustrated and feel out of control and I don't think that's the best time to spank her. I think I'm going to try the time-outs in the crib.
Thank you for the advice!
I agree with the crib/ time out thing. We have made it a rule stronger with each child...a fussy child goes to bed. That way they are learning to control their "feelings", so even if I don't feel good, even if things don't go my way...whatever. If I fuss/ pitch a fit I go to bed. It is good training of discipline that will last through adulthood. Plus it makes it easier for you...you don't have to figure out, does she understand? Does she not feel well? No matter what, if she is fussy/whinny she goes to bed.
Even when I (mommy) doesn't feel good. I don't get to whine.
Although if I got a trip to bed, I might try it! :)
I tried the crib/time out strategy this afternoon. It worked very quickly. Afterwards, I explained to Rachel why she was put in her bed. She looked a little perplexed when I went to get her but, I think she understood it was because of her whining.
Afterwards, her behavior greatly improved. That makes all of us happy!
Post a Comment