This morning as my child screamed for her blanket as I drove down the driveway I wondered when she learnt to expect to get everything she wants.
Do we spoil her? Let her run loose? Why is she like this? I was experiencing deep regret. Why did I let so much slide or did I? Is this normal?
So many questions.
It made me wonder what I have done to influence her behaviours. One thing we have been a lot of lately is being tired and grumpy.
We’ve been grouchy Mum and Dad and it doesn’t make me happy. Doing this makes her think that it is okay to act grouchy towards others.
I’m not aiming for some Fluffy detergent commercial style harmony but I’m over the grumpy.
It made me bring a comparison between my work and home life. I’m very big on a positive work culture. Respect the people around you. Make them and their contribution feel valued. Ensure they feel listened to and encourage them to grow and build independence.
Snap!
Changing my perspective is key by the sounds of things. We all need to work together in this family to not only get everyone to bed by 7:15 each night, but to do it harmoniously and without broken blood vessels and overworked voice boxes.
One of the biggest triggers for disharmony is when she doesn’t listen. If Dan is around he will pipe up and ask her to listen to me, it all kind of goes in circles. Pointless and annoying. Then it escalates and a tantrum comes forth rapidly. Discipline drops in. Non compliance equals the stairs. Further non compliance equals the bedroom. We have a full steam kicking, screaming three-year old taken to her bedroom followed by doors being slammed then more kicking and tears.
The demands for a cuddle are at an all time high but only on her terms. We must cuddle in a particular place and without Willow. By this stage Mum is terribly exhausted.
It doesn’t seem like we are getting anywhere because the tantrums keep on happening.
This week I will be taking a few tips on board.
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Use humour and be light-hearted when situations get heated
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Recognise when you are being grumpy/tired/short/rushed
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Work out whether is it a fight worth fighting.
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Take time out
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Do activities together without the baby
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Understand she is three. Her outbursts are because she is not coping or doesn’t understand the situation.
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A cuddle fixes everything (most of the time)
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Try not to rush, try to listen and don’t dismiss
Do you have any methods of keeping a sense of calm in your home? Do you have a way to get your child to listen without getting to the tantrum stage?