Toddzilla

February 10, 2010

I had stupidly thought the older your child, the more manageable life would be – this is not so (so far anyway) and life with Toddzilla is becoming increasingly difficult.
I am beginning to wonder now if I made the most of that little baby that would stay on her blanket just where I put her, and that little baby who didn’t know the words ‘no’ and ‘don’t’.

Milla throws the best of tantrums when she is told she is not allowed to touch, eat, hit, and throw certain things – sound familiar? She has always had an inbuilt radar that attracts her to all things not suitable for play and although I have baby proofed the house as best I can, I still find myself constantly having to direct her attention to more suitable, toddler friendly items.

Just in the last few weeks Toddzilla has really tested my limits. She knows full well that the DVD player is off limits but she goes over to it, turns toward me, raises her eyebrows and gives the cheekiest of grins…then proceeds to press all the buttons and opens and shuts the little doors. As soon as I make a move towards her she will get as many hits of the DVD player in as possible before she is wrenched away!

My dilemma is this: I know she is just looking for a reaction and enjoys the reaction she gets, but how can I just ignore her? The art of distraction has only worked for so long and I make the best of efforts not to use the words ‘no’ and ‘don’t’ myself. But I need to let her know that what she’s doing is not ok.

Life with a toddler sure is confusing, hilarious, tiring, wonderful, and oh so challenging!

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