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Thursday, November 20th, 2008
breaking my child
Jonas is three. And we all hear about the terrible twos, but from my two-child experience: two may be terrible, but three is ten times worse. Jonas is opinionated, to say the least. And stubborn. I thought Gareth was stubborn. Then Jonas came along. A friend of mine, who also has kids, agrees. She has not seen a child as stubborn as Jonas.
Now, I know that being strong-willed can be a good thing. But, really, there are reasons that life has rules. And, frankly, Jonas needs to learn that sometimes you have to follow the rules. Sometimes, you have to do things you may not want to do.
But, there is a part of me that feels like I'm breaking him. I was talking with a friend about this today, and she said she felt the same way.
Finding a reasonable middle ground is obviously key. I just wish it wasn't so painful... on both sides.
breaking my child
Jonas is three. And we all hear about the terrible twos, but from my two-child experience: two may be terrible, but three is ten times worse. Jonas is opinionated, to say the least. And stubborn. I thought Gareth was stubborn. Then Jonas came along. A friend of mine, who also has kids, agrees. She has not seen a child as stubborn as Jonas.
Now, I know that being strong-willed can be a good thing. But, really, there are reasons that life has rules. And, frankly, Jonas needs to learn that sometimes you have to follow the rules. Sometimes, you have to do things you may not want to do.
But, there is a part of me that feels like I'm breaking him. I was talking with a friend about this today, and she said she felt the same way.
Finding a reasonable middle ground is obviously key. I just wish it wasn't so painful... on both sides.
As an aunt I have noticed 3 is way more difficult than 2. It seems like they just burn out on patience from being two. Two year olds have limited vocabulary but they still have some of that 'I need you so it's okay' thing going. By the time they are 3, they still are limited on vocabulary but they want to fly solo. So you end up with a short person that won't compromise and can't communicate. Or they have words but get to fired up to use them. One time with my nephew Davis he would scream unless he rode on my husbands shoulders. This went on for an entire weekend. I can still hear his whine in my head. My niece Ella seems to have squeaked through age 3 being completely cute and manipulative. I think she has perfected the jedi mind trick. Gavin, also 3, sometimes refuses pants, hates to do #2 in the toilet, and will scream bloody murder for no apparent reason. The twins, Gavin and Ella, turn 4 tomorrow. I'm looking forward to better preschooler communication.
Good luck with Jonas. I'm sure there are some fun yet frustrating stories to get out of this time with him. I'm sorry that it is painful for you both.
Good luck!