Comments on: When You’re About to Crack: Responding vs. Reacting

By: Mike K

Mike K — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:11:17 +0000

It’s important to remember, especially with little ones under 4, that a lot of times their tantrums result because they want (or don’t want) something but just can’t communicate that. Instead of saying “Mommy (or Daddy…to be fair) I’m tired and don’t care for any peas right now. Thank you for your effort though.” They throw their peas, or feed them to the dog. In these instances, your only wrong doing is not being a baby psychic. Take a deep breath and if necessary walf away. 5-10 minutes of screaming in their crib while you are having some “me” time hasn’t hurt a child yet.

Go Irish!

By: ErinB

ErinB — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:49:24 +0000

Whew. I totally needed this to regroup! I was convinced my darling, sweet, newly turned 2-yr old has been trying very hard to the looney bin. I have been so frustrated and feeling like I was a bad mom cuz I didnt know how to deal…so I get angry and annoyed and frustrated- which gets us no where….so now I am taking your advice…taking a deep breathe and really listening to what she is saying when she is “screaming”… and wow- its helping!! beautiful, wonderful piece!! thank you~

By: Megan at Simple Kids

Megan at Simple Kids — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:16:53 +0000

Be with it. Yes. I needed THAT today. Our toddler is working on those two year molars and it is torture for ALL of us. Breathing deep and thinking of response . . . that will be my driving motivation tomorrow (and the day after and the day after and the day after).
Megan at Simple Kids´s last blog ..Simple As That: Inviting Stillness

By: Mariah

Mariah — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:37:28 +0000

Thanks for the great advice – I love the Tolstoy quote

By: Rana

Rana — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:45:37 +0000

This same thing happened to me in meltdown form at the store on Monday with my 6 year old daughter. She was fine in the morning and boom evilness just took over. I stayed calm in the store while she was screaming and making a scene. I had to leave my purchases at the counter and I politely walked out the door with my daughter and my son. We didn’t even make it halfway home and she was asleep. I knew she was tired, I just tried to stay calm and keep breathing. It is such a hard lesson to learn to stay calm and don’t react. Thanks for this post.
Rana´s last blog ..Small Talk Six

By: Rowena @ RiseFallNeverQuit

Rowena @ RiseFallNeverQuit — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:59:52 +0000

I can totally relate with everything you wrote. I am also a mom of a little toddler (21 months) and to my disappointment, toddlerhood is not much easier than taking care of an infant. It can get really exhausting – emotionally exhausting. My little one is now into flipping bowls of cereals (with milk in it) and plates full of rice and veggies whenever she feels like it. On good days I’d talk to her calmly but on bad days, I would just lose it (I’d call my husband and whine. lol).
Thanks for the reminder! The part where you wrote you felt forgiven, melted my heart.

Rowena
Rowena @ RiseFallNeverQuit´s last blog ..Six Things You Should NEVER Tell a Mom

By: BJ_Mama

BJ_Mama — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 08:52:39 +0000

Just found you through MBC…and I can completely relate! I have a 23 month old daughter, and we have those days too! Well handled!
BJ_Mama´s last blog ..1000 Page Views Giveaway!

By: Andrea

Andrea — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:58:55 +0000

What testimony to your patience. Absolutely beautiful. I am encouraged by your perserverance and I know that Liza must feel so safe and secure knowing that her Mom is willing to breathe, relax, and respond.

By: Stacie @ newmommyhelp.net

Stacie @ newmommyhelp.net — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:48:18 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. Toddlers, preschoolers, etc. They need us to respond. This is something I learn each day. Wish I could just learn it once and be done with it. Thanks for the reminder:).
Stacie @ newmommyhelp.net´s last blog ..A Daily Routine For Infants & Toddlers

By: Jill

Jill — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:30:27 +0000

Beautifully written. I have an 19 month old and could relate to that entire post. Thanks for the reminder.

Your Mom (I’m pretty sure) visited my Aunt in NC a few weeks ago. Your Mom showed my Aunt your website and she passed it onto me. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts!
Jill´s last blog ..Date Day