July 25, 2008
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Temper, temper!
So, Jack has a temper! Is anyone surprised? Haha.
(Both Johnny and I have pretty fiery tempers. His is difficult to rile up; mine is starts up really fast, but subsides equally quickly.)I got my first glimpse of toddler troubles ahead at lunch today. I'm working from home, so June came over to watch Jack. We took a lunch break and went to the new Korean restaurant on Sawtelle, Tofu Villa. After I fed Jack his lunch, our food came, so I set out some of those Gerber Yogurt Meltaways -- they look like the yogurt drops that you feed to hamsters as a treat, and they taste kind of like a meringue, but berry-flavored -- to keep him happy while we scarfed our food down. Of course, Jack enjoyed the sweet treat, and when he finished the yogurt drops, he started clamoring for some more. I had my formula-dispenser-turned-into-snack-wheel with me, so I poured him out a few Cheerios, usually a favorite, because I didn't think he should have any more of those sweet yogurt things. Well, lo and behold, Jack's face turned red and he started screaming. He also swept his hand violently among the Cheerios, sending them flying to the floor. Then he pointed at the exact compartment in the dispenser where the yogurt drops were, making it super clear what he wanted.
June and I looked at each other and kind of laughed. I mean, in a way, it was cute that Jack knew exactly what he wanted, and it's reassuring that he has the cognitive ability to tell me about it. But, I told him in a stern voice that he wasn't going to get yogurt drops by screaming, and we left the restaurant. I think Jack's at an age where he can at least begin to understand that there are consequences for his actions. At the very least, as June put it, you don't want to reward screaming with yogurt drops.
When we got home, I refilled the yogurt drops compartment of the dispenser in preparation for my trip to San Diego. I didn't know Jack was looking. He started screaming again when he saw the yogurt drops and realized that he wasn't getting any. Seriously, those yogurt drops are evil. Thanks for nothing, Gerber!
Oh, and this is my last work-from-home Friday! Next Friday is my first day as a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom. I guess in a way, all my days will be work from home days -- after Jack goes to bed, or while he naps, I'll be doing my contract work. I can't wait!
Comments (13)
Oh... that's funny!
Sounded like you handled that very well.
This is also a good time to start teaching him some basic signs to communicate - it is so fun to watch those little hands sign, knowing their minds are working, even though their mouths aren't yet! A temper tantrum helped me teach my eldest the sign for 'please'. She got it right away, knowing she could get something with a little sign instead of a fit! It's fun stuff!
Yeah, sorry...I'd like to tell you it gets better...
I kind of chuckled to myself. I think you handled it VERY well!!! Honestly, most of the time if Hannah starts screaming in a public place I just want to get her quiet as quickly as possible and try to give her what she wants or something else that will stop her - I'm creating a little monster!!! In my defense (and Hannah's) she is so close to being able to communicate with us as to what she wants, but she can't always get her point across and we can't always understand her, thus the tantrums.
Hannah loves those yogurt melts, too
They are sweet, but they're made with real yogurt and fruit so I don't feel too terrible giving them to her 
Uhoh.... Awe poor Jack. But you definately did the right thing, screaming = no yogurt drops!
Hehehe...I started laughing as I read your post. I looked at the yogurt drops the other day but decided to wait on those. It does get different as they begin to communicate but when they begin talking, here come the discussions. WIth Grcie there is no way she lets me win the conversation as to why she can't have something because she likes to debate for her cause the entire time so I give her an alternative to what she is throwing a fit for. This works with Rylan too. It seems like if they at least get to choose the alternative, they win the debate. It would be nice if I actually were a strict enough parent to just say no and that was it. I just try to stick to my guns about the important things
Aww! Jack sounds like he's going to be very head strong, which is a good thing! (Secretly taking notes to apply in the not-so-near future!!)
This post made me laugh! I'm sure it was hard to decide whether to laugh or be concerned haha! Also, I didn't comment on your last post but I did want to say happy anniversary to you and Johnny! It's funny that you mentioned the yogurt drops bc we have them for our guinea pig, and she doesn't like them but Chris does, ick! I mean I'm sure they're good, but the ones we have are for pets hehe.
If it were me...I would get rid of the yogurt drops and never let Steph see the box in the super market again. LOL! I end up loathing items like that that cause my kids to go haywire! Right now, the New Balance commercials with the Cookie Monster, Oscar, and Elmo on them are almost on my 'loathe list'. Thade must have taught Steph his bad habit. He didn't start the 'I wants' until he was almost 3. Steph decided two days ago to sit up during a diaper change to say, 'I want doze!' when the commercial came on. And it came on 5 times before lunch with both kids chiming, " I want those!" According to Thade, Sissy wants the Cookie Monster shoes and he wants the Elmo ones. I watched it again while talking to my mom and finally caught the end where they say 'only at Kids Footlocker'. I told my mom that that was good since we don't have one around here. But nooooooooooo, that mall up in Indiana has one! My mom had to make sure that I knew. Now I will have my eye out so that I can distract the children as we go by b/c I can guarantee that my brilliant children have seen the important info about what store carries them and as soon as they see it, they will be hollering about those shoes! Aaaaaaaah!
LOL! Oh, and Chris recalculated and I should have another $200 at my disposal, but I am gonna try not to spend it without taking caution first. I always ask someone else if they think I should buy something anyways. Gives people a chance to talk me out of it. Even if I have to call someone to give them the chance. My mom should be able to help me keep from spending it. Oh, and my sis talked to my mom (of course, you can't ever count on your sis not telling your mom something right? It is like a given) and my mom won't let me pay her $100 for gas and that would have been my share of the gas money. Oh, well. I told Kelly that according to how much she is willing to accept, I'll just hide it in her purse.
Beverly: I know actually what your going through with toddler tramtrums. Adrian is the same way too. But I guess we have to get use to it and try in instill some behavorial control.....before they get loose LOL. Some exciting news to share with you too since your always sharing us Jacks glory moments that I never get enough of.....Adrian is FINALLY getting his first choppers!!!! I've been telling everyone. HEHEHE i know, i know but after 13 months I'm finally celebrating this milestone that other mothers get to do at 4-8 months.
Im glad your going to work from home, I wish I could, go luck and I'm sure you'll be doing great. How was San diego!
toddler tandrum is the worst...it's gonna come more..
i'm dealing with this everyday when i get home from work. sometimes i can hear her scream even if i'm in the office or wether i'm out to lunch or shopping... it's terror!!!
@jasmin Dookram - That is awesome about Adrian's teeth! Wooo hoo hoo! Way to go, Adrian!
San Diego was fun, but tiring. Thank you for asking! I'll post about it soon.
Too funny!!!! Now that's EXACTLY why my kids only get one snack at a time. The more choices you give them, the more headache it becomes. I usually ask Tristan... do you want cheerios or cheerios?
oh man...I just dread tantrums in public...Zadie can be REALLY dramatic!
Ryc: our anniversary celebration tonight consists of all of us going out to eat someplace that is kid friendly!! lol.
...oooh, congratulations on your anniversary too!!
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