I know how to love my babies and nurture them, but I am simply not very experienced yet with disciplining them.
Here's an example of a parenting fail of mine: My son keeps opening the cabinets and drawers in the kitchen. (Yes, I know, there are little gadgets to prevent that, but I don't have any.) When he opens them, I say "No" because in one of the drawers there are knives (which he can't reach) and in one of the cabinets there are a few cleaning products. Keep in mind that I'm always watching him closely, because this isn't my home and this place is not baby proofed at ALL, so he won't get hurt. But of course he doesn't listen when I say "no".
One time he actually closed the drawer when I said "no" and so I praised him by clapping and cheering. At that moment, I created a cabinet/drawer opening monster! Now he opens the drawers and cabinets even more (and then closes them about 75% of the time) because he remembers how happy it made me the first time he closed the drawer on his own. After he closes a drawer/cabinet he immediately turns to look at me, grinning from ear to ear, and then enthusiastically claps his little hands for at least 20 seconds in joy. He's always so proud of himself. It would break my heart to discipline him at a moment when he is so full of joy, pride, and innocence.
On one hand I'm proud of him and on the other hand I'm totally annoyed because he's not supposed to be opening the cabinets and drawers to begin with. Since I don't have the heart to ruin his little moments of joy, I will continue to clap and cheer for him each time he closes a cabinet or drawer. But you can be sure I'm going to question my parenting skills every time I do it. I guess next time I will know better!
Here's an example of a parenting fail of mine: My son keeps opening the cabinets and drawers in the kitchen. (Yes, I know, there are little gadgets to prevent that, but I don't have any.) When he opens them, I say "No" because in one of the drawers there are knives (which he can't reach) and in one of the cabinets there are a few cleaning products. Keep in mind that I'm always watching him closely, because this isn't my home and this place is not baby proofed at ALL, so he won't get hurt. But of course he doesn't listen when I say "no".
One time he actually closed the drawer when I said "no" and so I praised him by clapping and cheering. At that moment, I created a cabinet/drawer opening monster! Now he opens the drawers and cabinets even more (and then closes them about 75% of the time) because he remembers how happy it made me the first time he closed the drawer on his own. After he closes a drawer/cabinet he immediately turns to look at me, grinning from ear to ear, and then enthusiastically claps his little hands for at least 20 seconds in joy. He's always so proud of himself. It would break my heart to discipline him at a moment when he is so full of joy, pride, and innocence.
On one hand I'm proud of him and on the other hand I'm totally annoyed because he's not supposed to be opening the cabinets and drawers to begin with. Since I don't have the heart to ruin his little moments of joy, I will continue to clap and cheer for him each time he closes a cabinet or drawer. But you can be sure I'm going to question my parenting skills every time I do it. I guess next time I will know better!
He is just curious and learning cause nd effect- notHing bad at all. At that age you mostly can just distract them with something different anyway.
ReplyDeleteThere really isn't a manual on parenting...you just gotta wing it. Try removing him from the kitchen area & take him to another area where there might be something more interesting to him.
ReplyDeleteEmmy has some great advice. When they are less than 2, its hard to discipline.
ReplyDeleteSounds to me like you're doing a great job! Just remember to be firm when you mean business...kids do want limits, and need to know from you what is okay and what isn't. Too often I see parents basically asking the child's permission for everything, including changing the diaper! Anyway, to answer your question about Judy Sumner (in Tennessee) that you left on my blog, I am afraid I don't remember the name of the shop where she worked, but I don't think it was Yarn Haven.
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