Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Two-and-a-Half-Foot Terror

I haven't been able to post lately because for some reason, the new-to-me-but-old computer I generously received from a friend of my sister-in-law's keeps telling me I need to enable active scripting and won't allow me on the blogger site. Trouble is, active scripting IS enabled and so are cookies. So the mystery continues.

Anyhoo, a short byte before I plunge into my workday.

The terrible two's are in full swing. Claire let's just say strongly objects to being put into her car seat now. This morning while trying to get her buckled in, she was thrashing and all of the sudden kicked me right in the head. I was so stunned I couldn't even scold her. I just stood there. In the next minute as I continued trying to buckle in this squirmy, kicking beast, she sunk her teeth into my arm. Excuse me, is my child destined for juvey? I already bought the "Hands Are Not for Hitting" book. Now I guess I must invest in the "Teeth Are Not for Biting" and "Feet Are Not for Kicking" volumes.

Honestly, I really have no clue how to discipline or teach her right. I thought I did, but nothing seems to be working. My sister-in-law also lent me about six books on parenting, including one on raising a "spirited" child. I think I better crack the books.

Nanny 911 is on speed dial.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hitting, biting, and kicking all happened to me and I am very confused when it happens. First that come to my mind is "what did I do wrong? Am I a bad mom?" I believe that being patient and consistent is the key which I am really bad at. Let me know how those books are. One of my old day care teachers recommended all of them. I send you a big hug!

Laura said...

OMG! It's like I'm reading about Victoria. Last night she had a tantrum - full on kicking, screaming and throwing herself across the floor and bed, running all around the house - that lasted more than 15 minutes. I was so stunned and unable to comfort her or get her out of it that I actually took a video of it with my camera. I know, not what I should have done! It's been like this for days at this level, weeks at much lower tantrum levels. Don't worry, it's not just your "spirited" child, I'm discovering terrible twos are real and hit hard! Good luck!!!!

LoveLladro said...

LOL... you had me rolling with the 'teeth are for' and 'feet are for' volumes. You probably know what I am going to say but I am going to say it anyway. Consistency and structure are the keys but they aren't a cure all. She (and EVERY kid) is going to have melt downs and get frustrated. Just keep reinforcing the rules... eventually she'll get it ;~) The books and Nanny 911 are good backups though. I plan on getting a discipline book here soon!

PS - think we have scared the pants off Rose and Nick yet? Hee Hee Hee ;~)

Gina said...

I just bought Kylie a shirt that reads "Two's aren't so terrible, I'm having a blast!" or something to that effect. All of the teachers at daycare love it. We're all in this together. Please know that Claire is doing exactly what all other two year olds are doing. She is just testing her limits and learning how to be independent. There are days that I just don't know what to do b/c Kylie has me on the verge of tears. So I walk away, put my face in my hands and start praying...mumbling the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. I think it kind of freaks her out b/c she realizes that I'm at my limit. So it actually calms her down.