Monday, February 14, 2011

My little valentine

I stopped by daycare today in the middle of the day.  Honestly, I do not know how the teachers at the center do it.  8 out of 10 children were sitting quietly on their cots.  The other two were still sleeping.  "Lucky" was awake and was so excited to see me.  But, oh! He really wanted to come off of the mat to see me.  His teacher, Ms. Kristie, said, "Lucky, you need to stay on the mat until 2:30." And he straightened up, looked her in the eye, and...get this...he listened to her!  I am not kidding.  He even let me take this picture:
My little valentine turned 14 months last week.  Most of the children in his class are at least a year, but there are a few in the class around 10 months of age.  Every single child was sitting nicely on their cot until 2:30. How do they do it?

He minds so well at daycare.  We hear, "He's always happy," or "he rarely cries."  Um, hmmmm.  How should I put this?  To us, "Lucky" is a fussy baby.  He has very good moments - don't get me wrong.  His best times are first thing in the morning and just before he goes to bed.  We see our share of tantrums, yells and fusses.  So, are we spoiling him?  Are we strict enough?  What are we doing wrong?

Naturally, I want the times that he is with us to be the very best.  I know that things will not be rosy and happy all of the time.  But I have to wonder, is there a right way and a wrong way to parent a 14 month old?

I asked the pediatrician at our 1 year visit, and he told me to read the James Dobson books.  I asked another pediatrician a couple of weeks later at a sick appointment, and he said, "Please do not read the James Dobson books."  The second pediatrician said, "The parents who seem to have all the answers are the ones we worry about.  The ones who ask us for advice tend to be the ones who are doing a great job."  Really? 

The second pediatrician also said that "Lucky's" Terrible Two's were not going to be as terrible since he is a Terrible One.  Anyone else ever heard that one?

Do any of you out there in internet land have any suggestions, book reviews, or even books to share?  We are up for anything and welcome your thoughts!
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4 comments:

  1. BamaGirlFebruary 15, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    Sherry, I feel the same way about Archer. When he goes to childcare at church, they always say how wonderful and sweet and happy he is. At home, he screams and seems permanently disgruntled. I think it's just a personality thing we have to survive! One book I read with EC that was helpful was "Parenting with Love and Logic" or Love and Logic Magic for Early Years. Those books are written by a counselor and former teacher who has seen the techniques help lots of families.

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  2. SherryFebruary 15, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    Maybe it is a phase, but it seems like he has been in this phase for several months. Thank you for the book suggestions!

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  3. margaretFebruary 15, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    as i know i've told you before, my kids can be absolutely HORRIBLE at home, but everybody at church and school says they are just the sweetest children. i have to keep telling myself "if they are going to misbehave, i'd rather it be at home than for other people." although to be honest, on some days i truly wish it was the other way around! obviously you guys are doing a great job with daniel. he's just trying to push the limits with you at home because that's where he's most comfortable (and brave!). stay strong and he will get there!

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  4. SherryFebruary 16, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Thanks for the advice, girls.

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