Day 2

Challenge #2 : Punish without anger

I thought this challenge sounded really easy for me. At 20 months Z doesn’t get punished for his actions. After all, he’s my responsibility. I believe that kiddies should be taught about consequences to their actions, and punishment is far too widely accepted. (IMO, I know I’m a crunchy mummy but it works for us!) I take the time to ensure that 98% of the time Z doesn’t get into a situation that would be deemed punishable. It’s easy to use distraction rather than let things escalate. But, there is the 2% of the time when he wees on my dining room table...

SO...I adapted today’s challenge to ensure that Z knew the consequences to all of his actions. Sometimes if he drops his banana on the floor I just sweep it up without a word, but today I have stopped him and we’ve spoken about why it’s probably a better idea to hand mummy his banana. Or even put it in the bin, which would be a small miracle!

Our first challenge arrived at lunch time. He was eating his pasta happily and when he was full he started playing around with it. So I said, “Zachary, we shouldn’t really play with our food. If you are finished you can give mummy your plate”. He knew exactly what I was saying because he said “No mummy, plate floor”. I didn’t swoop the plate out of his hands. I said “Our plate doesn’t go on the floor, it will make a big mess”. Yep, plate + floor = bang + mess. It really was VERY annoying because I’d just finished mopping it. So yes, there was a challenge to stay calm. Z’s immediate reaction was “Oh dear... it’s all a mess”. Yes it is little kid, so I got him a cloth and I told him that when he makes a mess it needs clearing up.

Daddy helped so mummy could photograph the blessed event. Also, I didn’t fancy getting spag bol on my bright blue jeans. He’s in his pyjamas because he had an early nap and then woke up hungry. Maybe I should invent a challenge that is getting my son dressed before 1pm haha :D

We’ve spent the rest of the day dithering around and not getting up to much. Teaching stuff like:

When we take off our shoes we put them on the shoe rack

When we spill our drink we get all wet

Just the general day-to-day stuff that we don’t ever think about.

I think today has been good, I’ve communicated a lot with Z about different things and hopefully he’s learnt a few things. Just have to remember to keep these things up rather than let them go after 1 day.

How was your day #2? Any views on punishment?

Tomorrow & Friday = Challenge day #3 and #4 : Get down on their level

This is going to be good! I often catch myself chatting to the top of Z’s bird nest head rather than looking him in the eye when we talk.

Blog will be up Friday evening. Until then....

X x x x x