This is the new, oft-heard expression in our home these days. You might think that it applies to wanting to go to school, or having obediently washed ones hands before dinner, or perhaps putting ones shoes on to go to the playground. Well, my friends, those are all good guesses but it has nothing to do with any of these things. It has to do with time-outs. Our sweet little Jasmine? Needing time-outs? I chuckle just writing the words. Because despite the praise and flattery I bestow upon her for much of this blog, Jasmine is truly a piece of work. I mean that in the most loving possible way. Jasmine is developing language skills at an astonishing rate but somehow NO has taken on new and heightened meaning.
As in, "Jasmine, please come sit down for dinner." NO
Jasmine, please pick up your toys. NO
It's time for your bath. NO
You get the idea. So we try to be polite. Jasmine, I'm asking you one more time to put your puzzle away. Don't walk away from me right now or you will have to take a time-out until you're ready to put your puzzle away. What do you want to do, put your puzzle away or take a time-out?
"TIme-out."
Yes, that's her choice, multiple times a day. She goes to her room and asks for the light to be turned out (Light, please), sits down in the same self-designated spot and 45 seconds later bursts from her room shouting "I ready, I ready!" You're ready to _____________?
Yes, I ready.
And she proceeds to complete whatever we asked of her. It's everything we can do to keep a straight face, but at the same time, is she really supposed to be enjoying her time-outs? Did we miss something in our Parenting for Idiots handbook? Because lately, we're feeling a little bit duped by the whole process. Don't get me wrong. We're not wanting her to suffer (too much). But maybe a little contrition would be nice...after all, we would like to feel some sense of effectiveness as parents to our take-no-prisoners 2 year old.
3 comments:
Well - parenting 101 by aus - ala Marie! Rule 1: Never ask a question you are not prepared to have answered. Rule 2: when speaking to a child under the age of 30, see rule #1.
I do it all the time - and cringe right after I've asked...when what I really wanted to say was issue a directive - not make a suggestion!
Alas - after over a quarter century of experience....I still do it. Some habits just cannot be broken!
And at least you're eventually getting cooperation - contrition can come later (after all - she's not disobeying you!) But it sure suck to be outsmarted by a toddler...as well I know!! ;)
hugs - aus and co.
As the momma of a strong-willed, persistent child, I had to change how I did some things. After months of banging my head against the wall, I opted to stop asking questions and switched to "you need to do XYZ or ABC will happen." It is such a subtle difference, but it takes the power away from the child and puts it back where it should be, in the hands of the parents.
Sounds like it is working to me!
She does what she should have done after her time out without a fuss!! Can't ask for better than that! Oh and that "no" is a favorite word over here times 2!!!! LOL!! Hang in there, you are doing great!!
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