I am now beginning to see the differences in my two children. Up until this point I've been able to get away with the idea that what works for one...most definitely works for the other. I have been proven wrong and now I have to come up with more than one way of doing things. Seriously, it's hard enough for me to come up with one!! I'm having to rethink my entire parenting repertoire.
We have been taking swim lessons every morning for the last two weeks. This week has been especially difficult. Ava has decided not to even get in the pool. What? My kids are like fish! They LOVE to swim. Last week she was the star pupil of her class but now my daughter is acting as though the water is her personal poison. I know now that I have pushed her too hard. You see, I really wanted her to be confident enough to swim without floaties or a noodle by the end of the session (it worked famously for Ethan when he was three) so I bribed her with a new toy, candy, or whatever she wanted if she would attempt to swim solo. Now, mind you, she has done this before to earn the reward of some chocolaty M&M's so I know she is capable. I'm not asking for the impossible here! But, the fear has overtaken this small one and yesterday she would not get in the pool because the "sun was in her eyes." Today she wouldn't get in because she was unable to decide on which color noodle to use. The bribes failed, the threats failed, nothing is working and now I've completely turned her off from all water usage. She is happy to accept whatever fate she is dealt in order to avoid swimming. It's unbelievable! Honestly, the thing that worries me the most is how I'm going to deal with her when school becomes an issue. I'm quietly thanking my lucky stars that she has 2 years of pre-school before we begin that adventure. What happens when she refuses to go to school? To do her homework? What arsenal do I have to make her do my bidding? Why do I feel the need to make her do my bidding??? All I know is that I am truly in for it! Any ideas on how to maintain (or achieve) patience, a semblance of order, and still get things done with a willful and stubborn child?
5 comments:
This sounds a little too familiar, let me know when you come up with a solution:) I just keep saying "it's a good thing, they are so dang cute."
Sounds tricky to figure out when the regular stuff doesn't work. I'm sure there is a book out there with some great advice, good luck finding the right one. I always look for titles that say something about the strong willed child, sounds like you have one too. Good luck and I want you to pass along any tips you get.
HA HA HA...Good luck with that and when you get any ideas...please pass them on! Parenting is HARD WORK!
Has Ava finished the swimming lessons yet? I swear by the Brea swim lessons. I have seen kids Scream with terror( my nephew) And then end up loving it the most. Some times it just takes the right approach. My son Ollie is stubborn kid. But i have to say now that he is 4 he is SOOO much better. Ah paerenthood. It's hard huh?
this is milla. all i know is that parenting is quite the ride. always some better way that i haven't yet figured out. . .
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