Seth's Weblog

Seth’s temper flares are bigger. He tries to run off sometimes when he’s mad, crying or fussing, and as he runs, he takes hard, little steps as if he’s trying to stomp and run at the same time. He has also started to hit in my direction and stick the edge of his tongue out and give little spits when he’s mad. He doesn’t like his nose cleaned, which most children don’t I imagine, so I have to force it, at the same time saying, I know, I know; or It’s ok; or I’ll be done soon. When I’m done, he spits with his tongue and hits himself in the face.

Sadly, Seth probably gets his temper from me. But there’s hope. He’s only 2. After he gets into trouble, he often turns into a puppy again. Then he’ll cry because he doesn’t want Mama to be upset with him. However, these moments of repentence are fewer and fewer. I’ve wondered if he’s desentitized to my discipline. It happened with Savannah by this age. I thought, she doesn’t understand English yet, so I have to use a firm tone. I used a very firm tone, not realizing that she did understand a lot more than I assumed. It wasn’t long before she ignored my firm tone. I’ve heard that about yelling. A yelling parent would get more attention from a child if the parent whispered. So I only use the firm tone when it’s important. The other day, I just gave him a look, and he got that sad look in his eye, that his happy connection with me was momentarily lost. I believe it’s that connection that the child wants back, therefore, they show they’re sorry. He gets hugs and kisses and nice words from me when he’s sorry.