Thursday, August 07, 2008

I Admit It...

Ok, so I'm going to go ahead and admit it, we have a strong willed child on our hands. The child I speak of, since I have to differentiate now, is Caleb. I have tried to attribute his horrible attitude and terrible ability to follow directions to age, gender, lack of nap, hunger, thirst, nervousness, etc. I guess I just haven't wanted to admit that he's one of "those kids". You know that ones I'm talking about. The kids who won't obey anyone, no punishment affects, and could care less about how their actions affect others. So, I admit it, I have one. I have a strong willed child. Can someone help?

PS Please take into account that this post is a long time coming and is just me getting it out after he has terrorized me all day and ended it by throwing a full glass of ice water onto his sleeping sister, in a crowded restaurant. Then he laughed. help.

4 comments:

orymae said...

If I remember correctly, Dr. Dobson has a book for dealing with strong-willed children . . . have you tried that?

Mathis Family said...

i plan on getting it...

The Wood Family said...

you know, it's not necessarily a bad thing, although right now it's quite a struggle for you. Dallas isn't that much older than Caleb, but Dallas really is strong-willed too. The MAIN thing that has helped us was REMAIN CONSISTENT! Don't let him get away with anything! I realize you have more on your plate the last few weeks, but with Dallas that seemed to help us. He has his moments, but overall it's getting a little better. If it's any consolation, 3 years old was our hardest year. It was very trying, but I think this was the important time for us to remain firm in our discipline with him. It'll be okay, just stay consistent with him. You're doing your best.

Hoppe Family said...

Smile -- I have 2 of these children, thankfully one is 21 years old and has now told me why some things I tried didn't work. Spanking didn't work with her. Who cared if it hurt, it was only for a little bit, and it couldn't undo what she had done. She has told me that using something she cared about doing (like reading) or something that lasted longer (like having to wash the floor) got her attention and made the difference that spanking didn't make. Kimmi, 2 1/2, seems to be cut from the same cloth, but being consistent with the naughty spot works wonders!