Busy Busy Busy

This time of year is busy for most families.  Usually our household doesn't get crazy until a bit closer to Thanksgiving, but this year we're starting early.  And it's all my fault!  I may have gone a little bit crazy when it came to scheduling myself over the next month or so.

Over the next month we have visits from family and friends, a party at the library, swimming lessons, doctor's appointments, Richard's birthday party (I still don't know how many people are coming), learning to can, a road-trip to Omaha with girlfriends, a science fiction convention (Richard's first!), going to see Wicked, and Thanksgiving!

December will bring it's own fun,  with birthdays, cookie decorating party, and an average of 4 family Christmases.  Not to mention all the fun of trying to get all the Christmas shopping done!  But first we have to survive November.

How crazy is your schedule?

A bedtime(?) story.

It was the wee hours of the night when the villagers were awakened by the fearsome cries of the dreaded no-sleep dragon. The terrible creature was well-known to the villagers, but had not been heard from in some time. They had hoped that it was gone for good.

Immediately the villagers sought to appease the beast. Songs and sacrifices were made in its honor. Soothing comforts were offered. Everything that had ever worked to satisfy the dragon was tried, but to no avail. The dragon continued to roar and wail.

Just as the villagers despaired of ever being able to sleep again, one arose as a hero and champion to all. Long did he battle the dragon. Many times he thought the beast defeated, only to see it rise again. At last, weary beyond measure, he chose to make of himself the ultimate sacrifice. He laid himself down before the dragon, no arms or armor at his side, and offered forth his hand and utter supplication.

The dragon was pleased by this tribute, and accepted the honor as its due. It laid its head down, and silence was heard throughout the village. The hero had triumphed, and sleep was once again known to all.

 

This is what my brain was doing at 2 o'clock this morning.

Choices

Being the parent of a toddler is never an easy job.  I'm fortunate to have just about the easiest, most laid-back, happy toddler you could hope for; but even he can be a struggle.  All toddlers have tantrums/meltdowns/screaming fits from time to time.  All toddlers revel in being contrary.  All parents get frustrated with it at some point!

The root cause of these stereotypical toddler behaviors (terrible 2's) is a greater understanding of the world around them.  Children in the 1 1/2 to 3 age range are discovering that other people (parents, teachers, older siblings) dictate every thing that they do.  Add to that the fact that most toddlers lack the language skills to fully express themselves.  Toddlers have ideas, opinions, and desires that they can't get the people around them to understand.  What they can do, is refuse.  They say no, they resist, they throw tantrums.  They express their frustration at having little to no control over themselves.

One thing that can help with tantrums, is giving choices.  You just have to make sure that you are offering genuine choices.  If you ask a child, "Do you want to go to bed?"  They'll probably say no.  Unless you're ok with them staying up, this was not a genuine choice.  What I usually try (let's be honest, none of us will get it right 100% of the time) is asking, "do you want Mommy or Daddy to put you to bed?"  He still has to go to bed, but he has some control over how it happens.

The above choice has worked out overwhelmingly in my favor.  Since Sam works away from home most days, Richard is always eager for Daddy time. I get to sit down and enjoy a few minutes of quiet while Sam puts him to bed.  Except last night.  Last night, when offered the choice, Richard threw himself in my arms and laid his head on my chest.  Somehow I didn't miss the few extra minutes to myself.