discipline
A couple weeks ago, Peter and I took Jonah to Disneyland for his 6th birthday. In a recent post for Babble, I shared how this trip made me realize I don’t always need to be the Fairy Godmother of Fun…
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“Mom, pleeeeeease can we play? Can we do something fun? This is so boooring. Monday is soooooo boring,” my 6-year-old whined to me as I sat at my desk.
Nine times out of ten, I would have called in the circus and pulled out my “let me entertain you” hat. Instead of letting him be bored and then sitting with my own guilt about having to work, steam broccoli, fold laundry, and ...Read More
I really don’t know when it happened. If I could just remember the day it all changed, why it all changed, and how it all changed, I think I’d unlock the key to parenting. When did my child start to need discipline? I mean, DIS.CI.PLINE. Like “do that again and you’re grounded for life” discipline. He’s only 3. Well, almost 4. And yet it seems like it was just yesterday that I was monitoring milestones and neurotically researching which solids were the best to introduce first. Bananas… peas… Berries, OY. The berries. Who cares that the AAP said you can introduce them as early as 6months. I just spent $300 ...Read More
More often than not, when it comes to a 30 lb. boy with sparkly brown eyes, I have a hard time saying “No.” To be perfectly honest though, I think I may preempt his protests with an automatic cave in…. Take yesterday for example… We had just left an incredible birthday party at Giggles and Hugs. Jonah had his face painted, a balloon blown into a dragon (er, dinosaur?), a big piece of cake, two kinds of ice cream and even a life size bubble blown around his body. To quote his new favorite television show, The Fresh Beat Band, “We had a great day, it was a ...Read More
Considering I think farts are the funniest things in the world, and would be happy to share my own bowel history and issues with anyone willing to listen, I suppose it should come as no surprise that my son may have a genetic predisposition to an excitement and interest in “potty talk.”
Pretty much every other word these days is “Poop.” I’m not kidding you, he weaves it into every story, every thought, every answer, and every scenario.
Me: “Jonah, would you like eggs or oatmeal for breakfast?”
J: “Um, I would like… Eggies…. aaaaaaand poop!”
Me: (Lights out. Story time). “Would you like to hear the story about William climbing the tree or ...Read More
Discipline. The D Word. Something I’ve never been very good at when it comes to myself (diet, exercise, french fries etc.)… and something I’m realizing that I’m not so great at when it comes to my son. Shortly after Baby-Ko turned 1 and started “testing,” I remembered the pride I felt when a mere look or simple redirection of attention settled his urge to do the “don’t” and I certainly didn’t need to use the evil “N” word. I had mastered parenting at an early age (both mine and his), and I thought whoever invented “time out” could just suck it. My kid’s GOOD. Really good… ...Read More
Hi, there. You still here? Sorry. I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted. I knoooooow. I knoooooow. I should be writing more. You’re right. It’s true. But trust me. TRUST. ME. I have some pretty good goddamn excuses up my sleeves. And once I’m able to share them all with you, you will forgive me. I prom.
In the meantime, let’s talk about the UFC style bout I had this morning, trying to get Baby-Ko in the car. I have always thought the term “terrible two’s” are, well, terrible. I mean, to me, this seems like the best age ever. He looks and sounds like a little munchkin, he’s ...Read More