Things at the House of Doo have been kind of hectic lately. Summer is winding down but it is still miserably hot out, so the family ice business is crazy. There are also about to be some changes, so Ryan works a lot. Colt and I spend A LOT of time together when Ryan is working. That is a good thing, however, some days I LONG for Colt to go to bed. Don't act like you don't know what I mean.
Anyway. Colt seems to go through cycles of really great behavior, followed by really terrible behavior. It seems the latter stage has been lasting a few months, but I was starting to notice it was worse after eating certain foods. Especially fruit snacks. He was a monster every time he ate them! About a year ago, I took foods away that contained dyes. It helped tremendously. Then i got lazy and let him have them back. Well, I have taken them away again. It seems to be working, or maybe it is a coincidence. Either way, I am happy.
Colt is also VERY strong-willed. I have been reading articles and blogs about parenting strong-willed children and have found them very helpful. One thing that really seems to work with Colt is to let him have responsibility. We have been to the mall twice this week and both times, I let him walk. I LET MY VERY DEFIANT THREE YEAR OLD WALK THROUGH THE MALL. WITH NO LEASH/STROLLER/BACK-UP PLAN. ALONE. (Me, not him) If you are a parent of a very defiant, stubborn, clever three year old you know what kind of disaster could have ensued.
Guess what. It worked like a dream. Now please know I threatened the devil out of him, but it worked. I let him know what a privilege it was to be allowed to walk and not ride in a stroller but if he even thought of running away or grabbing anything, his little hiney would ride in a stroller forever. It worked. It worked. It worked. We went in stores, we walked long hallways, we went in a "cafeteria style" restaurant and he pushed his tray down the line and chose his food. He even went in the bookstore, chose 2 books, and patiently let me pick one! I am so proud.
Tomorrow is a new day and things may change, but for now, I am thrilled. I love allowing him some freedom and responsibility and he loved it too.
Now, if we could only get him potty-trained
As a parent of a strong-willed daughter, I know what you are going through! They are very independent creatures. But you are a great mother! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara! I will probably have questions for you now that I know that about your daughter! ;)
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