Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Discipline
A friend of mine just had a new baby. She invited me and another friend over for lunch because we had thrown her a babyshower and she wanted to say thanks. Her mother was staying with her for a few weeks to help out and she wanted to make us lunch. Since it was during the day, I had to take Gabe. Susan, my friend, has three other kids so I knew that he would be entertained. Well, as soon as I put him down he takes off and starts "exploring". My adorable son then started getting into everything and doing things that he knows he isn't allowed to do. He kept pushing the buttons on their t.v. and playing with their blinds. Now, at home he has learned to stop when we say don't do that because he gets a timeout if he doesn't. But I didn't know what to do since we were at someone elses house. I just kept having to distract him and attempt to give him other things to do. And you could totally tell that he was testing me because he would do it and keep looking at me with a mischevious grin. What do you do in that situation? I don't want him to learn that he can misbehave out in public because Mama can't discipline him when we are not at home. I didn't want to ruin everyone's visiting either with a screaming child if I did discipline him there. Oh, what to do, what to do?
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4 comments:
Oh man, I HATE that! That is so tough, because you know they are just testing boundaries. I just have learned (from being too nice at times) that it is just better to nip it in the bud (ala Super Nanny style-persistence). :) But my mom just keeps telling me it is payback!
I feel so torn. I care too much what people think. I feel as if I discipline and he starts crying, they'll think I'm mean, and if I don't, I feel like they are thinking that I have an unruly child and I need to discipline him. However, I don't think I would judge someone if they were in the same situation.
Been there, done that. Many times in many settings at many different ages of my kids. You are not alone in your dilemna but it doesn't make you feel any better at that moment. I, too, have found it is best to excuse myself (and my child) for a little private reminder not to put one tiny toe over the line I've drawn in the sand. I still felt embarrassed every time I had to do it, but now I know there's not a parent out there who hasn't been in a similiar situation with their own child. Hang tough. Be consistent. Keep a sense of humor. Say to yourself (or your spouse) "I AM a good parent" (and believe it). And pray - A LOT! It's the exact same strategy I use almost daily in parenting my teens.
It is just a bad spot to be in. But, just from the actions of my own kids, I know that if I just let it go--they are going to do it everywhere I go. I really don't think people (esp. friends) will judge you for disciplining you son. It is not like you are beating him and just yelling at him. But I KNOW it is hard :( I agree a lot with what Ellen has said... Love ya-hang tough!
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