Oh those terrible twos!

E is full into it. Every day. The morning she pitched a fit when I tried to change her diaper, kicking and screaching. Finally I thought, 'the hell with it,' picked her up and put her in her crib saying I would come back when she was ready to behave. For about 5 minutes she kept screaching, this schrill quick tone, one after another. I figure she's wear herself out or make her throat sore. When she quieted down I went back in and asked if she was ready to behave. She sweetly said, "Yes mama." Up she went and went on with her morning without incident. I know practicing patience is always the best. I talk to her calmly, trying to settle her but she doesn't seem to respond to it. When I'm firm and have that "won't take any shit" kind of tone, she listens. I don't like being the boss-mom but it's effective. And I rather have a well behaved child.

My mom was much the same when I grew up. For the majority, I listened but when I got out of line, mom stepped up to the plate. Even dad was a great back up. The most crippling words he ever said to me were, "I'm so disappointed in you." I'll never forget the day and what caused his words, or how I felt when he said them. I was spanked only once ever, never hit otherwise, and the worst punishment ever...being sent to my room. I didn't have a TV in my room. I was 16 before I got a phone and a little stereo. I plan to do the same with my kids, or be inventive like my MIL was. DH had video game systems in his room...she just took the controllers. :) Still, he could've watched the TV I suppose. I'm sure we'll get creative as time goes by.

Well, I better be off. Take care and have a great, hopefull tantrum free, day. :)
~B