NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“What did I do to cause this?” I find myself thinking that 12 times a day. Every time J says, “NONONO,” or smacks another kid, or says “MINE,” I think that “better” mothers would know how to combat this. Yesterday I tried saying “Yes” to her frequently and she came back with a more prolific stream of “NONONO.” She said it from her stroller yesterday apropos of nothing at all. NONONO. She also likes to say, “I did dit,” which sounds a lot better.
I wonder how people parent small children without losing their marbles. It’s exhausting to always be on patrol for this behavior, especially when I’m tired from nighttime awakenings like this morning’s 4AM pooss drop. The pacifier hits the floor and concurrent with it hitting the floor, she starts to wail. WAHHHH WAHHH. Usually I can muster the energy to say some soothing words, but this morning I said, “please be quiet,” and so she redoubled her efforts at splitting my ear drums.
Happily, my mom is coming tomorrow and staying for almost a week. I’ll be able to have a little tiny break.
November 21, 2011 at 1:41 pm
It’s called “the terrible twos” and you are not the first, nor the last, parent to be afflicted by this phase. My daughter first started saying, “No!” at 18 months. I can’t remember when my son entered that stage because my daughter, although three years his senior, was still saying it. That’s not what you wanted to hear, was it? You can’t prevent it, no matter how “nice” you try to be. Be assured, she will grow out of this, regardless of how you deal with it. But I am convinced that most “spoiling” starts at this age, when the exhausted parents will do anything to keep their child from ruining their lives. Be careful. Behaviour learned now is never really unlearned. I have learned this the hard way.
November 21, 2011 at 1:43 pm
I’ll do my best!
November 21, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Here’s the secret: we all lose our marbles at one time or another. I was reminded of this post I wrote many years ago: http://harri3tspy.diaryland.com/040324_85.html . Hang in there! And I’m coming back to NY (finally) on the 28th, so if I can do anything to help that week, please let me know!
November 21, 2011 at 2:31 pm
I know that you’ll be swamped that week, but thanks.
November 21, 2011 at 2:46 pm
This is a completely normal stage. One of many annoying stages kids go through. She is discovering she’s a person with needs and wants and has figured out a way of expressing it. It will pass. Grin and bear it as best you can. don’t read too much into it. And be glad she’s not shrieking “FUUCKK!” in your ears.
November 21, 2011 at 2:48 pm
You heard that? That was me shrieking, actually.
November 21, 2011 at 3:53 pm
November 21, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Good thing they’re cute, huh? And that picture *is* cute…
November 21, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Thanks, Kathy. I was going to say that, but I’m glad you said it for me.
December 3, 2011 at 4:14 pm
What everyone else said. The definition of toddler is “testing”. Testing limits, testing patience. I’m not sure knowing everyone else goes through this is comforting, but they do, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Hang in there. I wish I lived close enough to babysit and give you a break.