Reset Button
This idea came to fruition after talking to K.C about how rotten I've felt for being at odds with Layla 24-7 for the past few days. I was getting after Layla for every single nit picky thing and she was ending up in time out a bazillion times a day and it wasn't really helping either of our cases. So we decided that over the next 2-3 days we needed to reset the system by only using time outs for really mega issues, not the simple things. The energy between us needs to be cleared so she can understand that I'm not going to harp on her every move. I needed to remember that time out isn't for things like refusing to say please when asking for chocolate milk... it's for things like slapping mom or poking baby brudda in the eyeball after being asked not to touch him. Layla only had 1 time out today and it was a doozy, but she totally changed her attitude afterward - which is the whole purpose of T.O right?! She had to spend a little extra time strapped in her car seat after running away from me in the Wa11mart parking lot and she had put us all in a dangerous position. So it was warrented. But after a few minutes of screaming in the car by herself, she came around and the remainder of the day was totally awesome.
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| Layla's face when she knows she's busted and she starts pleading her case! Paweese mom! |
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| this is Buca's classic "NOOOOOO!" face |
So today was great. We got up, fed, dressed, hair done, room cleaned, grocery shopped, nap time, snack time, went for a walk, played in the yard, made dinner, played in her room, took a bath, jammies on, and teeth brushed without a single argument or tantrum. (other than the 15 min. Wal1mart fiasco) We had fun, we laughed, played together, walked 8 blocks, and snuggled tonight = success. Step one of the plan is working. Yes!
Tomorrow: Changing the Cackle....
2 comments:
Layla's faces crack me up!!! :D
Way to go on figuring things out Shan. :) You are a great plan maker and problem solver! So glad today was a much better day!! :)
I think probably the most important
thing Layla needs is the reassurance that she still has her mommy and daddy, even though she is now sharing them with her brudda. ♥ She is just adjusting to a new 'normal' since her life as she knew it for 2+ years no longer exists. It will all be fine! :))
When I am feeling extra witchy and stressed one thing I have found to be helpful is to PLAY with Rei. Sometimes I forget to enjoy and play because I get too caught up in the other stuff. It is amazing how a quick tickle fight, wrestling, blowing bubbles, playing ball or frisbee can change the mood...for both of us. Your post is a great reminder to me to also 'reset' and remember that taking 5 or 10 mins to just play makes a huge difference. Thanks!! :)
you always figure it out
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