Toddlers are the Al Qaeda of humans. It's a bold statement, but we all recognize that it's true. Who, other than toddlers and Al Qaeda, are willing to do literally anything to advance their agenda? The good news, however, is that you can use this insight to your advantage.
For example, let's think about the last time you were at a restaurant with your toddler. She's behaving well for about 5 minutes when she decides she just doesn't want to be there any more and throws a hissy fit. She's crying and yelling and throwing shit everywhere. It's a whole scene. A rookie parent would drop everything and do anything to make her quiet. Giving her sweets or taking her on a walk around the block might work temporarily, but now you've just given in to her terrorism. As we can see from the conflict in the Middle East, this is a huge mistake. Shame on you! There's a better way, but you have to be courageous. (Look, you didn't come here for easy advice. You came here for good advice.) Firstly, you can't give in to the threat. If she is going to throw a fit and be loud or cry in the restaurant or on the airplane, just let it happen. By not giving in, you are nullifying her best weapon. And trust me, everyone around you has no problem with you doing this, because they get it. Those looks are not angry, "shut that fucking kid up," looks. They are looks of solidarity. Don't mistake genuinely felt empathy for hostility. Once you've let this obnoxious behavior go on for 10 to 15 minutes, your toddler is going to get the hint. She will simply realize that her tactics aren't working, and she will adjust her behavior. I guarantee it. As long as you don't give in and negotiate with the terrorist, she will end up being the best behaved toddler on the block. It's really that simple. And everyone in the coffee shop will respect your skill as a parent. And yes, I have also figured out peace in the Middle East, but that's for a different blog.
2 Comments
Patrick Loftus
12/14/2018 08:13:40 pm
Great advice!
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10/28/2022 11:08:40 am
Financial set fish. Thank federal half believe about information rather.
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AuthorAlthough I am not a recognized authority on child care, I expect to be recognized soon. Keep an eye on this space for news on that front. Meanwhile, feel free to soak up all of my sage advice on raising children. Archives
December 2018
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