Could It Be?

Sassy Britches has left the premises for the moment, and our sweet Madeline is BACK! This Mama couldn't be more overjoyed. In fact, I received several, "You are my most favorite Mommy ever!" comments this week! I'm sure it's because I have not had "Game Face Mommy" on, and life has seemed to returned to normal. Ahhhh, the terrible twos have gone into hiding for the time being.

Attitude with a CAPITAL A

Meet Sassy Britches:


Perhaps I jinxed myself when I wrote about Madeline's manners & behavior because the switch just flipped, and Sassy Britches is out in full force! Seemingly overnight Madeline as we know her disappeared, & Sassy Britches entered our home in her place.

This one

is venturing into uncharted territory with her talking back and sass, and I must say it's bringing me back to my 5th grade teacher school days. I knew I taught 5th grade for ten years for a reason! I've decided I handle these situations MUCH better than the irrational temper tantrums ~ maybe it's my school teacher comfort zone or maybe it's just a change of pace in the discipline department to keep me on my Mommy toes. Whatever it is, I don't like the fact that my two and a half year old has decided that pouting, talking back, laughing when she is disciplined, trying to boss me around, & sticking her tongue out at me is an appropriate response to Mommy! And, of course, to keep it interesting, she'll throw in one of those awesome temper tantrums at the drop of a hat just to make sure my blood pressure completely skyrockets. Seriously, if there is a boundary, she's testing it. If there is a line, she's crossing it all the while keeping her eye on me and how I react. I'm taking LOTS of deep breaths. I keep reminding myself that Madeline is learning about the world around her and our expectations of her, so it's my job as her Mama (Daddy too when he's home) to teach her that these are not appropriate tools to navigate the world. I'm sure she sees & hears these things in addition to being two and a half and feels the need to test drive this territory for herself. As Dr. Phil would say, "How's that working out for you?"

This timeout chair is occupied more often than not these days, and that doesn't include the times I have had to issue a few spanks for larger infractions.

I know it's the age & only temporary (I hope ~ her teacher keeps telling me so!), but I'm ready for my fun loving, sweet, well mannered girl to come back. Until then, I may have to adjust the grocery list to include more wine or invite John Rosemond to come live with us. :) Just kidding...

Rearrangement

I mentioned in Madeline's most recent month day post that she's been fighting her naps and bedtime with fierce temper tantrums. I might also mention here that she's not fighting the crib, but she's fighting the actual sleeping part. What started out as a few temper tantrums over sleep here and there, escalating to a couple of games of "Operation Rescue Bunny Lovey", and finally has turned into a full on battle of wills. Well, we all know when something becomes a battleground with a toddler, something has to change.

So after a hellacious evening of going to bed earlier this week & many rules and routines broken, this Mama turned Handywoman first thing the next morning (like before I took Madeline down for her breakfast first thing in the morning). I somehow managed to find the proper tools among Eric's toolbox, and I took the bottom part out of Madeline's crib in order to put her mattress on the floor within the crib. Can we say NO MORE games of "Operation Rescue Bunny Lovey" even if the lovey gets thrown onto the floor? Can we say no more worrying about Madeline flailing herself out of the crib in anger and breaking a bone or worse?


Then, I had to pull out my big gun --- "What would John Rosemond do?" --- I love his thoughts and many of his strategies although many may disagree with his methods. He is definitely a tough love guy, but the love part is why I like him. His ideas center around the child and what is best for the child. Well, he would not engage in the unwanted behaviors (as I was doing out of fear Madeline would get hurt), re-establish the previous routine that was working so beautifully, & force the temper tantrums to stop by being consistent, patient, and strong. So, we've done just that ---bathtime, read our MANY stories, snuggle, and give our hugs & kisses. Into the bed Madeline goes, lights out, & bedtime is bedtime. Mama walks out. See you in the morning (or post nap), and if the lovey gets thrown out, you will do without and hopefully learn that Mama is no longer playing.

So far so good. Mama's sanity is coming back, and even though sometimes the tantrums make me feel guilty, I am doing this for Madeline's sake. This is best for her in the long run. Her attempts to flail out of the bed have failed, Mama feels secure that her sweet baby is safe even when she's raging mad, & only one episode of bunny outside the bed so far. I haven't claimed a victory yet, but I'm close.

***And, I might add a special thank you to my friends out there in blog-land for writing their own most recent posts on patience and those who've offered words of encouragement (and sympathy) to me.***