I know that they always say that each age that you’re experiencing is easier than the next but I must admit that 2.5 is a very tough one. I know that Lea is trying to assert her independence but why does it have to be so hard!
The other day, we were getting ready to go to the park. She didn’t want to go to the park. She ran to the bathroom, slammed the door and yelled “I not getting dressed, not going to park!”. I had visions of my life in about 13 years. When did she turn into a teenager????
She is also in the “I do it!” stage. She wants to attempt to do just about everything on her own but when she can’t quite get it right (like putting on a shirt or getting the toothpaste on her toothbrush) she gets extremely agitated, whiny and yells “mommy help me” as if I had just left her there to fend for herself. Of course if I ask her if she wants help she says “no me big girl”. Sigh. I really want her to embrace her independence and grow with it but it’s so hard to anticipate what is going to cause a meltdown and what isn’t.
She’s also decided that she doesn’t need to eat dinner. We try to encourage her but her answer is usually “me no eat”. We’ve even tried to bribe her with pudding or other dessert and she will say “me no want dessert” so even that doesn’t work!
She likes to think that she’s a little mommy too and I often find her correcting Anna. Just now, she told said “Anna that’s not nice” in that firm tone of voice that I use when correcting HER behavior.
In terms of discipline, time outs just don’t work with her. She will stand in the corner and sing songs or dance. It seems to have no effect on her whatsoever. So we’ve resorted to putting her in her room WITH THE DOOR CLOSED. She absolutely hates to have her door closed so I hope that will make her think twice about being naughty.
Of course there are sweet moments too. Like just now, she handed Anna a yogurt that she got out of the fridge. She came back with one for herself and one for Anna. How cute is that!
The other day, Bee took them shopping while I was at work. He showed me a card that he got for their Nana and when we got home Lea got upset because she wanted "the card for mommy". Bee calmly explained that that was not for a few more days but not to worry that it was safe. He looked at me and smiled, since we both knew she had ruined the surprise.
Those of you with older kids, it gets easier right???? This is just a phase right?? Please tell me there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!
3 comments:
Oh I wish I could say it gets easier, but at 3 years and 2 months old, it has only gotten more difficut right now. I know the 'phase' you are talking about, Riley did the EXACT same things...and just as we got past those, we move into a 'phase' of COMPLETE defiance! I mean, don't get me wrong, he's still a GREAT kid, and overall behaves very well, but there are just those moments where he BLATANTLY ignores us and does the exact opposite of what we just said...why? What is he trying to prove? Or learn?
Good luck and keep the faith, with the 'bad' always comes good, no doubt about that, but I have to admit, so far, 3 is 'worse' than 2!
Yeah, I agree with Heather- 3 has been harder than 2 with both of mine! You'll get through it but soon realize that though each age comes with its issues, each is also more wonderful than the last. :-)
I have to agree with Heather and Mel. While I don't have my "own" kids.... my stepson is with us alot of the time! He is 6 1/2 and he is in some sort of stage as well. We talked to the pediatrician about it and she said at 6 they kind of go through a terrible 2 stage again! ie-temper tantrums, defiance, crying. Aren't kiddos fun! Actually, yes they are most of the time! About the time out behavior. We use time out too instead of spanking. My husband and I watch Nanny 911, they say to not start timing time out until the child obliges the rules of time out (sitting quiet and still). We have started this with Adam and sometimes it takes him 10 mins to sit quiet before we start the timer for 6 mins. While he is acting crazy, we ignore the behavior and say "when you are quiet and still we will start the timer". He eventually gives in, although he sits there MUCH longer than he would otherwise have to! Maybe that will work. I don't know if you have those Nanny shows or not, but they can provide some good ideas on discipline, I think! Good Luck!
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