Timeout and Tantrums

Here's one about all the fun stuff that is a part of parenthood...those of you without children can feel free to skip this one (or maybe read it and get a feel for the future).

My little girl is one of the sweetest kids around...really, she is, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom. I mentioned before that she is sensitive and is regularly showering everyone and every dog (haha) with hugs and kisses. She's a cuddly little thing.

Daddy bought me boy pajamas!

But also...she hits and sometimes bites. Me specifically.

I don't know why I'm the chosen one, except for maybe it's because we are also the closest? Isn't there some warm and fuzzy saying about taking things out on the people you are closest to? I don't know. I just know I'm over it and obviously expected that after carrying her around in my womb for 9+ months she'd show a little more appreciation. C'mon, we're supposed to be besties, girl!

So yesterday I decided that it was high time to start getting proactive and try something new. After sweetly sitting on my lap, chatting, and drawing all over my planner (what? I was working and Daddy Daycare was taking a momentary hiatus...), she got all psycho mode and stabbed me in the lip with the pen that I probably shouldn't have allowed her to play with. I was shocked...and it pain. So we went to the stairs. I sat her on the bottom step and said, "Grace, we don't hit people with our hands or anything else. You are going to sit here for 1 minute in timeout."

She probably heard: "Grace...blah blah blah...hands...blah blah blah."

I walked into the kitchen (10 feet away) and she started to cry giant crocadile tears, but didn't move from her step. After a minute of me looking away, so that I didn't also burst into tears or smile because she looked so darn cute, I walked back over to her and told her again that we don't hit people and that I loved her. We hugged it out and then ate a snack.

I have no clue if it was effective or what, but there was no more hitting or facial stabbing for the rest of the day. I really need to look into discipline. Nobody wants to end up with the bratty kid, ya know?

Anyone with advice...comment away.

To end things on a more positive note, a real-life Christmas miracle occured over the holidays and Grace once again loves bathtime. I don't know what switch flipped, but we literally went from her clutching the side of the tub in terror and screaming the entire time to her splashing around and laughing as she happily plays in the water.

I just know, I'll take it. Here are some recents. D filled this bath...it is looking unusually low on water...

xo,
H