WARNING: Serious Mommy Rambling Ahead
Oh, how quickly things change. Just a few days ago, it was Sweet Sunday. And now here we are being terrible 2's. Do they somehow know they are supposed to become difficult once they turn 2? I need serious mommy help!! One of them is refusing to eat her main course. She'll eat all fruits and vegetables, but not the meat -- not willingly anyway. She will put it in her mouth and chew, but won't swallow it for a very long time. Yesterday, it took 1 hour (and I'm not exaggerating) for her to eat one little chicken tender. After much reasoning and a lot of yelling, I finally dropped my face into my hands and said a quick prayer for patience. When I looked up, both of them had their hands over their face, apparently thinking we were playing peek-a-boo. So that lightened the moment somewhat... but still didn't do much for my patience. Mr. D has suggested me not feeding her until she is really hungry, but is that the right thing to do?? Just start skipping meals??
The new favorite word is "NO!". "No" to this, "No" to that. Perhaps that one is my fault. Too many "No's" coming out of my mouth. But that's my job to instruct them on what they can and can't do -- right? Oh, and the independence they are starting to show. I'm not allowed to help them do anything... yet they can't do it themselves, but they are going to fuss about it until it gets done -- completely frustrating. I'm thinking about just leaving the room when that happens. And them not listening to simple commands, like "come here" -- the fact that I have to tell them to do something multiple times before they will actually do it, that can't be good...
And potty training...I actually thought we would start training this week. That lasted for about 3 hours. It amazes me that they know how to do everything possible regarding using the potty, ie. put the lid up and down, sit on it, flush it, unroll all the toilet paper, but yet give you the deer in the headlights look when you try to explain to them what they are really supposed to be doing. So I will wait a few months before trying that again. I have to get a better plan anyway. Maybe training one at a time would be better. Looking for mommy suggestions there too!!
So I've purchased some large wooden utensils -- and not for the purpose of cooking! I figure I've got to get these attitudes under control and fast. I've been reading "Shepherding a Child's Heart" which a friend suggested and it says that my children are supposed to obey me, and if they don't, God commands me to discipline them. So a little discipline it will be... for me growing up, it was belts and peach switches, but I figure a wooden spoon can have the same effect too.
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11 comments:
Tyler used to have a deathly fear of wooden spoons...I tell him that now and he just laughs!
As for the eating, I say let her eat fruits and veggies...she will be fine, it is most likely just a stage. I think sometimes they get tired of the chewing of meat...it doesn't go as quickly!
Check out this blog about food training. It was way convicting for me & we will be having some changes at meal time this summer!
http://allthingswifeandmom.blogspot.com/
on potty training- wait wait wait! I promise you wont regreat it. They have to be ready. besides, if you make it a battle of the wills, it will be terrible.
(no scriptural backing on that opinion! :-)
keep reading & rereading Sheparding a childs heart- EVERYDAY! I need it as a daily reminder. Then go to that scripture & pray over your kids that verse you read that day. There are verses throughout that are so helpful!
hope that helps!
I carried a wood spoon around for years - my dad was horrified to find that I carried one in my car at all times. I could even be seen carrying one in my back pocket at times. Just the sight of it was enough most of the time. But I did have to use it on occasion.
WAIT on the potty training! They'll get it when they are ready and maybe not at the same time either.
Vegetarians live through not eating meat - don't stress over that. But if all else fails, bribe them.
Pastor Butch Smith says that if you count to 3 you are allowing your child to disobey you for three seconds - and that is not acceptable! I promise if you rule with a heavy hand now, you won't have a heavy heart later!
By the way, Mr. D is right - if you remove the food entirely, eventually they will eat what you put before them - and I promise they won't starve in the meantime!
all such good advice...we had the meat issue here too, it eventually goes away. Potty training will come, don't battle it. Wooden spoons are great inventions, and bribery has its place, too! Praying over your kids---nothing better. I will be praying for you too. These 'stages' do get better, even though they are often followed by a new 'stage' that seems worse at the time. Just remember those Sweet Sunday moments!!
I was told by a pediatrician once to look at what they eat over the course of a week and evaluate from there. That same dr. also said that if they'll eat fruits and veggies, then put 'em on the table!! Two of mine were more fond of non-meat items - and you know the one who loves all things pickles.
The spoon is a great tool. And if you ever end up in Target without your trusty little sidekick, it's a breeze to walk through the kitchen aisle and remind them that they are everywhere!!
Food: We bribe our children - You don't eat your food you don't have any sweets. They only get one sweet a day, after dinner (ice cream, cookies, candy, etc) but if you don't eat you don't get it. Since they are 2 - I would put the treat in a zip lock bag so they can see it. If they eat it stays on the counter - If not it goes on top of the refrigerator (just enough so they can see it) They are very visual.
Potty Training: I am with andrea on this one, WAIT. They will pick it up. I think one at a time would be wise. For the boys we use to put a little "DAWN" dish detergent in the toliet so they could "make bubbles" Coco we had to use the "Go potty in the potty and you get CANDY". We had a big jar of M&Ms on a high shelf that she could see. Maybe that is why she is such a good cliimber.
The counting thing. When they get a little older - sometimes you are not in a situation that allows you to punish your child immediately. When I count, that is the number of bustings they are getting when we get home. I RARELY get to two. My kids know that when we get home I will take care of business. They will work diligently to try and behave so that the "busting" will be revoked. At first you feel like you are just beating and screaming at the kids all day long. I know I have had several days that I cried to David about what a mean mommy I was. But now 5,9,&11 I take the paddle down MAYBE once a month. Just remember, calm and explain WHY - Even have them explain back.
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