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Originally Posted by Quantum_Leap
Yeah, Charlie has been super moody and defiant lately, as well....hence my frustration and general "MIA-ness." I just don't know how to handle the constant, pointless disagreements (often involving nonsense words), the whining and tear-filled outbursts, the stubbornness. Let's hope this passes soon! Are second children any easier? Someone tell me yes!
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i dont know i children are easier......but you definatly find yourself a little more (thats how it was for me anyway) with my first I was so concerned whether I was doing things the right way and didnt want to be mean....and afraid to hurt her feelings and it took me awhile to find my feet.
My biggest suggestion....Choose your battles.....I dont fight with them over the things that arent important....."oh you wanna wear your shoes on the wrong feet.....sure whatever" stuff that isnt causing any harm and doesnt totally disrupt our routine then I just tend to let it go....I could fight with them all day long if I wanted to fight over everything I didnt agree with or like.... but I've learned to let alot of things go. My husband has NOT learned this....and he can go round and round and round with them and gets so frustrated....I'm like really is that worth fighting over???
consistantly stand your ground on the important things.....at home....in the car.....at the grocery store....at grammy and grandpas.....whereever you are.....enforce consequences immediately.....they wont remember what it's for later....and try not to let it go if it's something you want stopped because the more you let it slide....the more they'll push it.....
For us (and this is one I struggle with) when I use the same consequences (whatever it is that I KNOW is just gunna get their goat....For Baylee it's a time out....for Levi it's being seperated from the rest of us in a different room) EVERY TIME for the same offense.....I struggle with doing that even tho it works better when I do cus sometimes I get soo flustered I'm like OMG just park it by that wall or Go pick up 17 toys in your room and think about why you're in trouble....random stuff lol....
Dont get down on yourself tho.....(BEEN THERE....I have cried a few times because I just cant figure out WHAT I'm doing wrong when I'm super frustrated......) but after the fact I always look back and realize it's not that we're doing anything wrong....out kids are pretty well behaved....but they have their moments....just like any kid.....it's just hard to realize when you're soooo frustrated that it's just a part of them growing up and finding their own.....