Nah, my sweet little Nate isn't that bad. He's just extremely curious. We had a round two of the baby powder episode and almost a 3rd but I caught that one just in time. (no I'm not stupid! They were all different bottles, each one is now safely in the dump. I swear they just poop out these things because we don't even USE baby powder!! I still don't know where they found 3 bottles of it!) I turn my back for just seconds and he's into something. I get a phone call, that doesn't even last very long, and that's a cue for him to do EVERYTHING he's not supposed to do.
But I found a solution!! (No it's not melaleuca....they don't make ADD medication lol) I've been experimenting with different things in the last little while, along with pleading for help from my Heavenly Father to guide me as to how to help Nate. So here's what I've done:
I made a list of several different things:
- Things to do at the table
- Things to do as a "helper"
- Things to do by himself for quiet time
- Learning activities
- Playtime Activities
I can up with quite a few things for each category like, coloring, sewing cards, file folder games, making necklaces, reading, washing dishes with mom, sweeping the floor, ect.... I've found that when he's into trouble he's bored so I give him something to do from the list and it helps him focus and he's not in trouble! It took some time but I've made a lot of reusable activities that he can do. I'll be working on a blog to post some of these things so others can benefit from them too.
Another thing I've learned is that he thrives on praise! He loves to do a good job so when he does something good I make sure to tell him and make it really special. For example the other day he grabbed the broom and swept the kitchen well, you know, "swept" the kitchen but he was really trying to do good so I surprised him with a fruit snack and he was thrilled because he wasn't expecting it at all! Something else that has helped is that if we start the day out right our day is SOOOO much better!! After breakfast I try to give him "table time" where he sits at the table and colors, or makes fruit loop necklaces, or something with his hands that's creative. I'm not exactly sure why but it helps him so much to listen and focus a little longer during the day. Then I watch for cues as to when he needs something to do. I try not to "entertain" him all day, I want him to be creative and play by himself, but he does need a little guidance as to what is good and what keeps him out of trouble.
The last thing that works AMAZINGLY well is that I turned off the TV. The days where he watches little to no movies are super successful and less whining days. Unfortunately I'm pregnant and need him to watch some movies so I can put my feet up for a little bit but we do it sparingly and for reward. TV, no matter what's on it-good or bad, creates a weird attitude from kids. I don't get it but I don't like it!
Anyways, those are the ideas that have blessed my life I hope they can help someone else too. We're still learning everyday but that's what being a parent is all about right?
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