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We’ve entered a new phase of parenting. It’s Survival: Level 2 — the case of the pre-terrible 2’s.
The other day Ari went over to where we keep his Happy Baby Pouches, grabbed one and brought it over to me. I could tell he wanted it, so I opened it and handed it back to him.
This is how things have worked well for us in the past. Well, until this particular day.
I walked away for about 60 seconds. Chad & I were both within two or so feet from him. But I was looking away as he was “eating” and as soon as I turned back around, he was ‘painting’ our white walls with his purple pureed food. … and all over the carpet.
And the worst part? He was smiling.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
And since then, he’s been testing us over and over again.
Our sitter had to put him into time out (his first ever) five times in ONE day! For reasons ranging from not listening to completely disobeying her “Ari don’t touch – it’s hot” commands…. to which, of course, he looked at her, smirked, and reached out again.
I know he’s testing us — I know he’s pushing his limits; but that doesn’t make this any easier. It’s downright painful. And, sadly, I know it’s not going to get any easier.
So what are your tricks, besides ‘just survive,’ to getting through this testing stage?
Hahaha… And then he turns two… And begins the pre-three stage… That is soooo much fun… Girl, it is all about survival… Some days are easier than others, heck some minutes are better than others!! Naughty step works pretty good for us… Also, I try so hard to stay calm, count to ten and revisit the issue going on. Seriously works wonders. The more worked up you get 1.) The angrier they get 2.) They know they have gotten to you 3.) They think they are hilarious. GOOOOOOOD LUCKKKKK….
Oh goodness!! He sounds like mine 🙂 I am currently reading “The Strong Willes Child” by James Dobson because Grace is strong willed!!! She’s testing her limits and testing authority. Some days I feel like all I do is battle with her and she’s only 19 months. I have learned though, she is looking for authority. I don’t fight with her over every single thig, but I do for the big things. She needs to know mommy is serious and it’s not okay to not listen. Has Ari started throwing fits yet?? That’s fun too!!
Good luck mama!!
I just added that book to my amazon wish list! 🙂 Ohhh yes, the fit throwing has begun. I think we figured out pretty early on that he was going to be a fit thrower 🙁
My daughter is 19 months and started “the melting” (that’s what we call her meltdowns) a few months ago. One thing that works really well is to give her three chances before whatever she has gets taken away or she goes into her brief timeout, depending. I tell her each time what’s coming, and she definitely gets it. Still though, sometimes the toy still gets taken, and sometimes the timeout happens. I think, at this point, it’s about patient and consistent repetition….at least with mine, I can tell her testing is equally about her pushing her boundaries as it is about seeing whether we’ll follow-through!