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Time Out started in Noah's chair.Too many minutes of playing the game of down and up, up and down and too many giggles and squeals from Noah quickly stopped that version of Time Out.
Then we tried Time Out on the landing of the stairs.
He'd stay put, but started requesting to go to Time Out. "Mom, will you put me in Time Out?" Hmmm, not very effective.
So I started locking him in the bathroom. It's a half bath. No tub, no shower, not much in there really. This worked for awhile but when I had to spend a few minutes collecting all the soap, toilet paper, diapers before he spent his two minutes inside, I realized it wasn't working either.
Now I just distract, prevent and ignore.
I don't blame the dude for thinking Time Out is a fun game. I would LOVE to be locked in the bathroom, by myself. A minute for every year of age? Do you know what I could do in there for 26 minutes?! My hair could look amazing, my toenails could sparkle, my hands could be satin. Maybe a good book, or just sit there and be still.
What do you superparents do with an attention deprived two year old?
7 comments:
I joined a MOMS club. We have monthly calendars with activities almost every day. From play dates at the park to lunch out to trips to the zoo and MUCH more! Every day, Tyce and I have a couple hours to play with "our" friends. His are little and mine are big! We love our outings and it keeps him from getting very bored.
It is a nationwide club...you should do a search and find one near you!
I am very lucky with the "Time Out" thing though...Tyce HATES it. He sits on a chair (whatever one is available at the time) and he sits in it...he has never gotten out or fought me. After being there for 1 1/2 minutes, I tell him why he got time out and then he has to say "sorry" (which is precious to hear in his little voice), and then he goes and does what I asked him to do in the first place!
I am blessed with an obedient child...although, my mom assures me it won't last! AH!
Here is the link to the MOMS club. Just e-mail them from this site to find a chapter near you! It is AMAZING!! A life saver really! Have fun and let me know if you join!
http://www.momsclub.org/join.html
Distract, prevent, and ignore. It sounds like you know what you're doing, Jessie!
I don't know what "superparents" do, but when "time outs" didn't work for Whitney and Spencer, we started putting their favorite things in "time out" instead. Many books, games, and toys spent time on the top of our fridge. It worked like a charm. And, best of all, a long-forgotten item from the top of the fridge can seem newly exciting when it is brought down to be played with again.
My best sanity-preserver, however, is just remembering that parenting is not an exact science, and sometimes I just have to be happy with whatever degree of success we achieve.
You're doing great!
We do not get the concept of time out really. Cole usually apologizes and tells me he will be nice as soon as he gets set in the chair.
first of all... who wouldn't have a blast climbing in and out of that cute chair?
this cracks me up. only because i love noah so much and this just shows his great personality. nothing will hold that kid back.
when you find the "superparents" - the one's that now how to do timeout effectively - send them my way. maybe they'll know how to get luc to stop saying, "dontttwanttttoooo!" to everything that is good for his well being.(ie: eating/bathing/napping)
My sister-in-law puts her little girl on top of the dryer because she is too scared to climb down. But that may cause an injury depending on your child. I think whatever it is... consistency is the key. Not that I'm good at it...but that's what I hear. Let me know if you get any other good tips!:)
The BEST parenting trick I have come up with is "happy cards." He has 3 of them, and they can be taken away for any kind of misbehaving, or mouthing off (which is our big issue). When all 3 are gone, he loses something VERY, VERY important (which, varies from day to day but usually involves trains being taken away or no outside privileges). He can get the cards back by doing nice things-these graces earn him "super star cards." If he can get 3 of those, he can trade for one happy card and then his privileges are restored. Seriously, along the lines of inspiration.
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