(no subject)

[mahogany]

Hmmm.... It looks like I'm going to have to start getting firmer with my daughter. This morning, I told both of the children that they couldn't have any toast until they finished their oatmeal (otherwise I end up with a bunch of half eaten food).

N* complied without complaint, but E* (18 months), wasn't too pleased. She kept pointing to the bread saying "Toe, toe". I told her "No E*, first oatmeal then toast". She turned her little head away from the oatmeal, and refused to eat. She proceeded to throw herself on the floor, and carry on.

Normally, I would have given in thinking "Oh, she's just a baby, she doesn't understand. I'll let her have the stupid toast, and give her the oatmeal after." This morning, though, I decided to ignore her little temper tantrum. I wanted to see if she had understood me. Sure enough, after a few minutes, she reazlied she wasn't getting anywhere, so she got up and ate her oatmeal. I thought "You little rascal, you understand waaaaay more than you're letting on."

Comments

[daisan.livejournal.com]

Isn't it amazing how smart they are! I've been moaning about the fact that my son sleeps perfectly in his crib for his Nanna, but refuses to do so with me. He's capable of it, he just knows I'm going to pick him up, hold him and give him the num num, so he cries when I put him down. Smart little bugger!

[xpashax.livejournal.com]

Hehe, normally I see my nephew training my brother and his fiance. That's funny.

Hi there

[gypsyqyn.livejournal.com]

I remember first year at uni when the Developmental Psych lecturer cautioned us never to give in to screaming, tantrumy kids coz of the theory of classical conditioning. Classical conditioning: when kids learn fast enough that one instance of giving in to them usually means repeat instances of giving in to them!

Thought I'd say hi and ask if you'd mind me adding you. Please feel free to do the same :)