Since Miss R came along I have been in rigorous on-the-job training to be a Life Coach. These critical strategies are slowly sinking in:
1) The Art of Distraction
"Sorry you can't jump in that pond (and surely sink to the bottom) right now, but WOW look at that big aeroplane in the sky - WHOOSH!!" - said with great enthusiasm and vigorous hand movements. I think all parents learn this one pretty quickly.
2) Practical Redirection
Miss R has a very frustrating habit of throwing her stuff - food, cutlery, dishes, anything really - on the floor when she's finished with it or just plain bored. Ignoring her didn't achieve anything; "don't do that!" just made her want to do it even more and with an evil glint in her eye; so eventually I came up with a new tactic - to ask her to give whatever it is to Mummy when she's done. Hooray, it's starting to work!
3) Loving Repetition
As a dear friend and very wise man repeated often: "Repetition is the mother of all knowledge." It's so true. Getting the loving part every time is tough (especially when you're sleep-deprived)!
If you have any successful tactics to share, please do!
1 comment:
Hi Mei-ling,
We don't really know each other (we met briefly at a youth conference). I saw your blog throug a link on Menchie and Maarten's blog. I had to write when I saw your note about your daughter throwing food on the floor...we went through the exact same sequence of tactics. There should be scenarios posted somewhere so we don't all have to re-invent the wheel! How old is your daughter?
Post a Comment