Question:
I have a 2 year old. She is my only child, well I have an older
step-daughter, but she doesn't live with us.
I am a naturally stressed person and I am on antidepressants and
anxiety medications.
I am having a very rough time with her. She doesn't listen and is very
strong-minded. She is definatly her own person. As she gets older, I
find that this will be one of MANY great traits about her.
Can anyone share any ideas on how I could deal with my daughter a bit
better. I understand frustration comes with the "job", but is there
anything I can do to make it less stressful on myself?
Answer:
Before you yell count to ten or if she's doing something put her in the
naughty chair and you walk away. Because after awhile she will tune you
out. Remember she is only two and she is pushing limits seeing how you
respond. There are times when you get frustrated but just walk away.. My
Mantra is pick your battles. Is one more cookie worth a 30 minute
screamfest.. I doubt it.
I've found that developing a sense of humor helps. Try to see the
humor in what she's done and make that the emotion you roll with. It
does take practice!
I understand getting angry! My youngest daughter is very strong-willed
also and sometimes everything feels like such a struggle. It does get
a bit smoother the older she gets, so you can look forward to an
easier time.
I know many parents who would do a 3-count and if the child wasn't
behaved by 3 he would get a time-out (or spanking), but I had always
thought that sounded stupid to do. I don't know why I felt that way, I
think it may be that at church as I was growing up, the teachers would
count to three and turn the lights off if we did not be quiet. Well
one day my dh tried counting to three with my daughter and it worked.
That has been the only thing in the whole wide world that worked to
get her to obey. I do not know what will happen if we ever get to
three- we've been doing this for a year at least and never have to go
past two, and rarely past one. Maybe you can try it. I still get angry
some, I guess because she does keep doing things she knows she
shouldn't, but the count does stop the behavior. It is wonderful in
public to be able to say "One." and have her come back and stand by me
