The one with the scary incident

Kate's been really mischevious recently. I attribute it to the "Terrible twos syndrome". Screaming, disobeying on purpose and whining. She's usually rather obedient so it's kinda hard for me to adjust to this "new" her. I guess she just wants to express her growing independence. Throwing tantrums is now almost a everyday affair and it's really hard to control my anger when she acts up. Grrrr. I know its normal for them to get this way, that its part of growing up but boy ain't it hard to keep sane around here! Got this off the net;


By learning more about this normal stage in your child's development, it can make it easier to get through it and make sure that you aren't contributing to more battles than are necessary. (Haha)

Other tips for helping your toddler during the terrible twos include:


•having a regular routine for meals, naps, bedtime, etc. and try to stick to them each day


•offer limited choices only, like 'would you like apples or oranges for your snack' and not just 'what do you want for your snack.' This helps your toddler feel like he is making some decisions and has power over things, but he isn't able to choose unacceptable alternatives.(Sneaky)


•learn to set limits about things and don't be surprised when your toddler tries to test those limits to see what he can get away with.(I always set limits, she and everyone else breaks them!!)


•don't give in to tantrums. *Roll eyes* Don't get me started.


•begin to use time-out and taking away privileges as discipline techniques.

•provide your toddler with a safe environment that is well childproofed to explore and play in. It really isn't fair that your toddler should get in trouble for playing with something he isn't supposed to if you left it within reach. (True.)


Ok. When I said that Kate and everyone else breaks the limits...I only meant that no one else re-inforces my limits. Hmm...that makes me sound like a tyrant. I do set limits for Kate, but I find it hard sometimes when no one backs me up on it. It makes things harder for me as parenting is all about consistency. So that means all of us gotta sing the same tune and all. Which I know is difficult as all of us are different and may feel differently about the same things. And also, of course we gotta inform everyone of what is off limits for Kate. Consistency also means to not make exceptions just because its easier. Honestly, I wanna give in to her tantrums sometimes, like when we are outside and there are tons of people around--its just easier and less embarrassing. But I tell myself that those people will get over it so I just have to grit my teeth and be firm. Its hard too, when she's crying non-stop. I do, of course, sometimes give in to her tantrums. Its just so much easier la! What will inconsistency do? Hmmm...it makes it harder for you to re-inforce the rule after. For example, if I tell her no chopsticks, and then some other time someone else gives her the chopstick because she's whining for it, when I try to implement the "no chopsticks" rule to her again, she's bound to throw a fit. Because she knows it will get her her way. Its a really small thing actually, but every little thing can lead up to her throwing a tantrum---which drives everyone nuts. I know she's not being defiant or vicious, children are just children and they are intelligent. They just like to test limits and all...I'm not unhappy with hubs or anyone...just that I get really frustrated sometimes, with everyone and anyone, only because I have to face the little tyrant 24/7, so I get it from her all the time. It used to be alright but recently its gotten really f.r.u.s.t.r.a.t.i.n.g. Quickly get to the terrific threes and fantastic fours already!!

Anyway...yesterday hubs, mom and I had the fright of our lives. Kate goes amok sometimes, when we go out. There have been many, many times when she would fling our hand off and run away. Sometimes she runs to the escalator, but we always get to her in time. Yesterday, she did the exact same thing to mom again, and ran off to an escalator heading up to our level. I was inside the fast food store and hubs near me--but we were no-where near Kate. I saw mom giving chase but Kate had a sudden burst of energy when she heard mom's footsteps behind her and all I saw was her falling on the escalator. Unable to control myself, I shouted to mom, "Mommy!" I meant "Save my girl." To my immerse relief, mom caught Kate, though she hurt her back doing so. Kate didn't really hurt herself...but did fall hard on the escalator. When I got her water bottle out of my bag, I realised I was shaking. Thank the Lord that nothing happened, because so much could have. She fell face down, and if not for the fact that the escalator was heading up and pushed her back in to mom, she would have really gone all the way down. Hubs was really quiet after that, and mom was too. Everytime I think of what could have happen, I shudder. And stop thinking. Because nothing happened. And I really thank the Lord for keeping watch over her. Even though we looked really calm after the whole thing, I know we were all shaken. Hubs said my shout wasn't loud, but there was something in the tone that made everyone look. I think it was the urgency and fear in my voice.