amyk's Blog

Oh, I just wanted to add, I don't always turn the TV as a diversion, but sometimes, it just works.

I know you tried attention, but you may need to try even more. Personally I think the terrible twos are partially caused by expecting a two year old to conform to an adult world of running errands, stopping by work, being quiet while we're on the phone, dinner running late...as long as I stayed ahead of the game I never had a problem with my son at that age. But the second I expected him to hurry up or to wait for dinner...oh boy it was rough.

My suggestion would be to live in his world a little more than your world, and double up on the time you spend with him sitting in your lap while you read. He's also ready to do things like helping you cook, vacuum, and wash windows. Oh it will be a mess, but he'll love it and as long as you're not in a hurry you will too.

It's the I am not the center of attention thing. Get him involved with what you do. I agree whole heartedly with what Capt_Jim said in the second paragraph.

amyk "Thanks you guys. I am LOVING the great advice. Keep it coming!"

I'm sorry but your hour is up. Perhaps we can talk about this during your session next week. Or you can put another dollar in my jar.

Amy it gets better, by the time she turns 5 she will be going on 25, Take the time to enjoy every second, they never repeat themselves and the kids only get older. I think back when mine were young and wish I could have spent more time with them or got to do things that never came about. EACH MINUTE IS PRICE_LESS..It won't be long and they will be asking for the Car keys to be with friends.

LOVE THEM & TEACH THEM LOVE

(continued from above) You'd be surprised at the CHANGE in the oldest one's behavior and perspective. It wouldn't be long before you'd have a "helper" around the house instead of discipline problem lurking behind the curtains.

You won't be sorry. It also instills a firm sense of "family" into BOTH children as they grow up.

And, even if you have to do it while he's kicking and screaming, don't let Dad shirk HIS part of the deal either. The one thing I regret about my two daughters growing up is the fact that I didn't get to spend ALL the time that I wanted to with them. Career military didn't always put me at home for extended periods; but I made the important ones -- birthdays, first day at kindergarten, plays, concerts, band practice (when I could). I wasn't a stay-at-home Dad but my girls knew Dad loved them and was involved in their growth -- physical, mental, spiritual -- and education.

A father will NEVER regret the moments he stole from work and/or play to spend it with his children.

Amy, maybe you could take him to church. He will be around other kids and learn that he is not the only child that needs attention. I'm not saying thats what he thinks but I have found out that a good nursery does a child a world of good. You can ask him what he liked or disliked about his time there and it makes him feel important to be able to answer your questions.

Amy, my most heart felt understanding goes out to you. I raise 4 girls. At the birth of the last one I had kids aged new born, 1, 2 and 7. Talk about terrible 2 overload! Here are a few things I learned the hard way.

1. Temper-tantrums happen! Its usually a cry for attention but the last thing you want to do is re-enforce the negative attention. As hard as it may be sometimes you need to teach that screaming, yelling and crying ISN'T going to work. Get down at eye level and tell her in a firm voice that when she stops you will listen, then stand up and walk away. When she come back to you, hug her kiss her and tell her you are ready to listen now. She will learn fast that this is a better type of attention.

2. Get her involved with that baby. Let her bring you diapers and wipes. At bath time teach her how to gently pour water on the babies belly. At nap time let her get the baby a blanket or pacifier, if the baby is crying encourage her to whisper to her and tell her each time how much help she is. Each new task will make her feel like she is still important to you and thats what she needs now.

3. Get Dad involved. Set up time that just the two of them spend together. She needs to feel close to him as much as you. And take time for just you and her as well while Dad takes care of the baby.

4. When things get to wild (and the will) take a deep breath and remember, one is great, but two is better and both are counting on you. If they see you staying calm and sticking to the rules, they will do the same.

5. Every night at bed time, lean down and whisper in ea

SlidinginSideways.. your post was beautiful and I took every word to heart. It sounds like you have LOTS of experience =) Thank you so much and I promise to share your words with my hubby. Oh.. and congatulations on your first grandchild!

In fact I'm going to print everyones comments here, take them home.. and after the girls are in bed.. we'll read and strategize!!!

Yes, Amy I second all of slidingsideways' advice..as that's exactly what I went through and yet now that they are grown I wish I can have one of those moments, as tiring, and mentally exhausted they make you, you will miss it some day. I was spanked once o.k. maybe twice and you know, we learned so if worst comes to worst a small spanking will help. Get ready because after the terrible two's around 4 and 5 EVERYTHING IS WHY???? BUT WHY??? so they are all stages and is a learing process for all but I couldn't put it better than slidinginsideways....LOL best of Luck and Lots of patience....is golden

Just a little humor for you. I wrote this on my wall in erasable crayon when my little girl was little in her room so I'd see it often.

Roses are red and violets are blue. Lord help me through these terrible twos, There's so much she needs and so little time, for this weary new mom to clear her mind. Help me remember that time passes fast and too soon these days will become memories, and part of a... PRECIOUS past.