1] she threw tantrums in stores
2] she was no longer sweet in restaurants
3] she said, "No" and meant it
the most important change...
4] she stopped napping on the weekends or worse, she napped really late and then stayed up really late, and then got up early...argh!
I had to implement something...
We don't really have a formal time for 'quiet time', but it usually happens right when we get home before Chris gets home. I set her down at the table for a snack, pop in a movie or a show from Netflix, get out the drawing pad and crayons or play songs on Youtube and I do something that I need to do. Of course, 'need' is a loose term, as sometimes I just need to finish a book or I need to watch an episode of The X-Files. Most of the time I use that 30 minutes to do a load of dishes or laundry or to grade. It just depends on what tasks I finished on Daddy/Daughter Date Night.
I'd like to say that I've got a handle on this, but I really don't. On weeks that my work is stressful those are the times when I have neither the energy nor the patience for shenanigans and it seems that quiet time doesn't work. It's then that I put my stuff aside (grading and dishes can wait) and hang out with my kid...that always works.
Quiet time is a hard one at my house. My oldest is okay, he'll sit and do a puzzle or watch a show, but my youngest. Most of the time, with whatever he's doing, he wants Mommy to be a part of it. Still, I keep trying.
ReplyDeleteI have no advice, just sympathy. I can't imagine having a small person that I'm responsible for. I have a hard enough time being responsible for myself.
ReplyDeleteI recall these days, and let me tell you they will pass.
ReplyDeleteI found books worked with my daughter, but my son was much more difficult to please. Until we discovered 'trains' and a small circle of track, which seemed to do the trick!
It'll work itself out eventually. Good post.