Beware: Behind these sweet eyes lies a mischievous soul!Miss Dub now bites me when she's peeved and/or curious about the current flavor of my epidermis.
Miss Dub now throws things on the ground because it's fun, and sometimes to make a statement. (Like, "This yogurt does not match my capris!")
Miss Dub now whines and whines and whines when she doesn't get what she wants, which is pretty much always since her dream day would consist of watching "Baby Einstein" while chilling naked and eating adult desserts. Then, chatting online with her friends all night.
This new rebellious streak is obviously annoying, but much more disturbing because I have no idea what to do about it.
Discipline?
I hadn't given it much thought, to be honest. I kind of thought I could ride the baby-wave of perfect behavior for a couple years.
I mean, she is a baby so any disobedience on her part is not totally intentional or, at least, malicious. So no matter what she is forgiven and will be doled out endless amounts of patience and kisses. (Or is that my dream day?)
But I recognize that she needs a little direction. A little, "me no likey bitey" on occasion.
But how?
I know what I don't like --
Spanking - Yes, there's a reason this mommy post is a Hot Topic. Because things like spanking can get a lot of people hot and bothered, including myself. Because there is no scenario under the hot summer sun where I think spanking is acceptable (especially when it's a regular form of punishment and not a light pat hastily given during a mommy meltdown). I've heard people say that some kids just don't respond to verbal discipline. Well, that sucks, but hitting a child won't make them more obedient, unless out of fear. There's been serious studies done on this and spanked children end up in more trouble, with more issues and way more therapy. If it wasn't so early I'd go look them all up for you. But it is. So I won't.
Saying yes all the time - There are people out there who are such fans of positive reinforcement that the word "NO!' is not found in their mom-cabulary. While I'm all for constructive criticism and using positive options to help kids make a good choice, sometimes you've got to say, "No!" Like when your baby is about to touch a hot oven and there's no time to say, "Touch the carpet, please," or, "Would you rather play with your ball?" Also, there are moms who never say no, meaning that their kids get anything they want. Not a big fan of this theory either since instant gratification leads down a dark road that typically ends with credit card debt and an 8-year college plan. While I do think you should spare the rod, I think you should only occasionally spoil the child.
Saying no all the time - On the other side, there are parents who are constantly telling their kids no. Not only for bad behavior, but anything less than perfect and to all kid requests. I mean, we did choose to have kids. So sometimes you just have to say yes to things that aren't your favorite, like watching "Zoey 101" when you'd rather be watching "E!" Because if you always say no, your children may feel so restrained that their only option is to go wild. And you know where that leads - to a blurred-out image on a spring break bootleg video.
So I know what I don't like. But what do I like? Balance. Moderation. Patience.
But how do I deal those out? And to a baby is one thing, but what happens when Miss Dub is four? Or thirteen?
What's your take?
Any advice?
How do you discipline or were you disciplined?
And what's your take on spanking?
I promise I won't bite.
Miss Dub on the other hand ...
