Turo

Coffee date

Games with Grandma

But Mama...

As soon as Turo’s language skills exploded, he started working on his negotiation skills. I tell him what we are about to do; he has a counter-proposal. In his comebacks, he tosses things like “No, I’m the boss,” “you are a mean girl,” “I have a great idea,” and the classic “but at Anna Maria’s house.” The attempt at deal making happens for things big and small – how many books we’re going to read, what we’re having for dinner, our agenda for the day, how long I’m going to cuddle with him at bedtime. Some days it drives me batty.

And I think the problem is that I’m not always consistent with my follow-through, so it just fosters more negotiation. Because he knows that sometimes I can be swayed, so thinks he should try to get his way. Every. Single. Time. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like a big deal if he asks for one more book even though I’ve said we’re only going to read three. It’s one more book, right? It probably is nice to feel a little in control as a kid. Yet, when it’s time to eat lunch and he asks if we can play outside first and then he gets mad because I say no, I get irritated. I don’t want to always be saying no, no, no to all his ideas. But I also want him to realize that sometimes he just has to go with the program.

I think I just need to ask him for his ideas upfront on things I’m willing to alter. This would give him that sense of control that I think he wants from the negotiating. And then if I don’t solicit his thoughts, I just need to stick to my original plan (even if changing it wouldn’t be a problem) and not enter into the back and forth with him.

Why haven't I been doing this? How have I let things turn into a daily power struggle? As I type this out, it seems so logical. So simple.

Pantry Project: Crackers

Pre-Oven

Ready to eat

Ready to toss (I think the end pieces were just a little too thin)

Valentine's Decorating

My cousin introduced me to Pinterest, and so now I want to craft and bake and redecorate. Inspired by a few "pins," I did a little crafting to celebrate love.

Just in case you're wondering: I used scrapbook paper to make the heart garland. Made a "love" template on the computer and then used it to cut out the felt letters. Behind the "love" is a page (four times) from Tuesdays with Morrie that was read at our wedding. And I filled the candle holders with conversation hearts.

Games

Turo loves playing games. Candyland, Memory, Sorry, High Ho Cherry O, Ants in the Pants, Break the Ice, even the Cat in the Hat has a game (that could easily be turned into a drinking game - not with children, of course). And my mom taught him how to play War but she calls it "Who Has the Highest?" Love her for not introducing the word War to my kiddo.

Games are good for teaching colors, counting, taking turns, being a good sport and cheating. After a few times playing, he figured out how to stack the deck in Candyland. So then we had to have a talk about why that wasn't okay and how the game isn't as fun for everyone when you cheat. So many teachable moments.