Look at me. I'm a blogging machine!!!
I know I've been posting a lot about Big Sissy lately, and as I analyze it I think it's because she's in a "good phase" right now. She's reasonable, sensitive, and wants to please usually. The other 2--well, they're in harder phases right now. Especially Little Buddy. Aye aye aye. To all those people who asked me if it was different having a boy and I said, "No. He's so sweet and cuddly," I stand corrected. It's totally different. Completely, undeniably, maddeningly different.
Little Buddy has a charming personality. He makes me laugh multiples times in a day. But the reality is that he has changed from a cuddly little baby boy into a testosterone-filled, energetic, sometimes just flat WILD toddler. He's in a phase of hitting, pinching, pulling hair. I'm 99% sure he has broken my nose twice in the last 2 months. It still sounds like I'm crumpling paper when I push on the side of my nose. I'll just be honest. I don't know what to do with him. I do believe in spanking (I know some of my readers don't), but I don't feel like spanking is an appropriate response to aggression (you hit me, I hit you back). So I've been sending him to his room or holding his arms still when he does it. If someone has some suggestions, I am open to them!!!
Tonight, while I was at the Princess and the Frog with the girls, Daddy had some one-on-one time with Destructo. They threw balls, they played on the toddler roller coaster, and they spent a lot of time wrestling our huge stuffed lion downstairs. He was wound up. He was aggressive. And the only repercussion was a lion turned upside down. I've decided that is going to be my new answer. I don't want him to be girly or weak. I just am tired of getting hurt (and comforting other children who are getting hurt). So when he's being wild, I'm going to send him down to wrestle the lion. I have an extra seat in my van. That may be Mr. Lion's seat. You never know when we might need to wrestle a lion at WalMart, at church, at the mall. You won't believe how sweet and gentle he was when I got home. Thank you, Mr. Lion!!!
3 comments:
That's why I love wrestling so much for Bub... it wears him out AND it helps him get out some aggression constructively! :)
That's a wonderfully innovative idea. Fortunately for me (and my son), he always had a meek and quiet nature. I really didn't every have to deal with any aggression in him. Makes me appreciate my kids more and more when I see what some young mothers deal with.
(((Hugs))) Totally been there with Joel--and now, maybe even moreso with Elena! Like you, one of the best things we've found has been lots of wrestling and our pushing game. Sometimes all that energy and desire to flex those muscles just has to find an outlet. I think I might steal your lion idea, too...
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