Today has been one of those days where I feel like every other word out of my mouth has been "No, Stop, or Quit." I know some of you moms out there know exactly what I'm talking about. It gets to the point where after saying "no" over and over, or trying to put an 18 month old in timeout (which really consists of sitting Madison back down against the wall over and over), etc., I'm tired of it & I'm sure Madison is to.
You hear all kinds of things when it comes to disciplining your child, and it is easy to second-guess your methods. Saying "no" comes out much easier when your child is climbing on the furniture, playing in the toilet, or hitting at someone than trying to reason or rationally explain that something will hurt or make a mess. "No" is quick and usually gets their attention. It's also easier when you are extremely tired and it seems like it takes all your effort just to get the everyday tasks done.
However, I don't want Madi's earliest memories of me to be of me constantly telling her not to do something. I want to try to come up with other ways to teach her why she shouldn't be doing something. I want her to remember me teaching her things, protecting her, and most of all loving her. I know there are going to be times when she needs tough discipline, but on those days where it seems like "no" is the only word in my vocabulary, I need to take a step back... Think about why she may be getting into everything or acting up... Try to explain to her what her actions may cause (she may get hurt, etc.)... Take a deep breath... & say a prayer!
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