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December 21, 2004
When "gentle parenting" fails
I used to have all these ideas about disciplining gently but effectively and never losing my temper and always staying calm but in control, and so forth.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Dinner tonight:
Me: Zeke, are you going to eat any of your stew?
Zeke: No!
Me: Does that mean it's okay for me to eat your stew, since you are done with it?
Zeke: No! Don't eat my stew! That's my dinner!
Me: Okay, I won't eat it. Do you need a spoon?
Zeke: No!
Me: How are you going to eat your stew without a spoon?
Zeke: (doesn't answer; stares off into space)
Me: Zeke, are you going to eat your stew or not?
Zeke: I WILL NOT EAT IT!
Me: Fine! Then I will eat it!
Zeke: YOU WILL NOT EAT MY STEW!
Me: Zeke. (exasperated sigh)
We drop the issue for several minutes until dinner is almost over.
Me: Zeke, you are going to be hungry if you don't eat any of your dinner, and there will not be any snacks later.
Zeke: (appears to not have heard me)
Me: Okay, whatever. Will you just try one bite of lamb so that we can see if you like it or not? Maybe just one bite, and then we will know if you like it!
Zeke: THE EENSY WEENSY SPIDER LA LA LA LA LA!!!
Me: FINE, FORGET IT, I GIVE UP!
Keith: (looks alarmed)
Me: (leaves the kitchen abruptly, wondering how it's possible for one toddler to punch my buttons so effectively)
Zeke: (does not get any dinner. will probably be very upset about this later. is not getting a peanut butter sandwich or a piece of cheese, I don't care how often he asks for it. can have some leftover lamb stew if he wants. because I'm the Mommy and I said so.)
Posted by Jan at December 21, 2004 7:11 PM