Sorry I didn't get around to blogging last week. I wasn't really in the mood. After the weekend of beautiful weather, things turned cold again and then the rain came. Along with the rain came attitude from a little 2 1/2 year old. I had ordered a book several weeks ago on parenting, but had yet read through it.
You may have heard me talk about Teaching with Love and Logic when I started teaching in Cherokee Co. I wasn't sold on the idea (esp for the classroom) at first, but my opinion changed and so did the behavior of my students. The methodology is what you hear: you discipline with love and logical consequences. Since I utilized those ideas in the classroom, I thought it would be easy to transition to using it at home with M and C.
I'll be honest. I was only halfway applying the principles at home. Sometimes it is just too easy to put M in time out and that be that. My main frustration comes from 2 issues.
Problem 1. M is refusing to take afternoon naps. When we transitioned to the toddler bed, nap time fell apart. She was/is doing a good job of staying in her room, but just won't lay down and go to sleep. I really don't care if she naps, but she is a terror in the late afternoon if she didn't get some daytime sleep. I've tried explaining that her body needs to rest. She's welcome to lay down with books and her baby doll. I just want her to stay in her bed. Out of 7 days in a week, she might sleep 1-2 days.
Problem 2. M is so rough with C. Many of his bumps and bruises come from her pushing him down or hitting him with a toy. I really have no tolerance with her being mean to him. I know that siblings will fight/argue. I'm fine with that, but he's still too small to defend himself. I feel like I am always asking her what she did when he starts crying. I attribute it to a couple of things: 1. she's doing it for attention and 2. she's still too young to completely understand her feelings and emotions.
Tune in Thursday for Love and Logic: Part 2. You read what I did wrong and what Parenting with Love and Logic has taught me so far. Just a little insight, the 5 days I have been pushing L & L hard core have been a breeze.
Smooth sailing here I come! :)
6 comments:
I love your statement that you had ordered a parenting book but hadn't had time to read it. It's funny because no one tells you that you should read ALL parenting books before having children b/c you sure won't have time once you have them! (A friend and I were just discussing this yesterday) I've got a copy of "The Strong Willed Child" (b/c I have a couple of those) but no way do I have the time to read it all.
I can't wait to hear of your success with this method you are doing! I'm open to any and all pointers you have!
Good luck, Kel! I am looking forward to some L&L lessons in the near future.
Amanda, I have heard of that book but thought since I was already in L&L mode, I would start there first. It is next on my list if I run into another brick wall.
Lindsay, the good thing with this book is it is never too early to start.
I already see an improvment, more so in my behavior and attitude, but in Marlee's too.
I can't wait to read your future posts. Matthew is 19 1/2 months and already starting with the temper tantrums when we don't do what he wants or understand him, etc... He also is a terrible napper. Of course, it is hard to reason with him at this age. I will take any advice that I can take though. Good luck!!
I have never heard of this book, but I'll be checking it out too - thanks for sharing!
GO, Mama, GO!!!!!!!!! :)
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