Slow down, you move to fast...(with revisions and additions) :)

Quinn is killing me. Seriously. This toddler stage is not my favorite. We have lots of great moments. She was just giggling - and that is cute. And her kisses are hilarious. And her scrunchy nose is yummy. But really, destruction everywhere. I need to love these moments because I know they will pass quickly but at the moment I just really want to scream. She has spent a lot of time in time out. I know she is only 16 months old but we are trying to put a stop to some of the naughtiness. And it is naughty. She totally knows what she is doing and she also knows that we think she is the cutest thing to ever walk the earth. She also knows how to use this to her best advantage. As Teague said to my mom one day, "Grandma, don't think she is dumb. 'Cause she is smart." So true. Notice in the picture - her bib that she has discarded and used her shirt instead. Clearly, we are having a control battle. PS - I am in love with her new jeans. $8 at Target. But sad that she is growing out of all her clothes so fast. Slow down!

Because of this child, I enrolled my self in a Love and Logic parenting class. (OK - truth - I need it for all 4 of my kids). I LOVE IT!!!! I took it with Kenyon about 6 years ago and I have needed to retake for a while. It is an 8 week course. It is my favorite night of the week. The teacher is great and it is so empowering to fill like there are options to better parenting.
*Update - for Salt Lake locals - the Jordan School District offers these classes to parents every semester. Check online. I am sure some of the other districts offer them as well. Also, they have lots of books and some great CDs available. I am SURE your local library has them. Otherwise check here.

This week we are working on giving enforceable statements. That means telling the kids things you can enforce. For example, "I'd be happy to help you with that assignment when you have completed your chores." "Yes, you can have a cookie after you have had dinner." Basically it means turning everything you say into a positive with a condition of what you need to see happen. You won't force them to eat dinner. They can choose. That is what is so great about it. Kids get to have some control in their lives. And when they make poor choices, consequences are given with empathy. Love love love it!

*And yes to Alissa - it does work for our toddlers - although we have a lot of work to do around here. With the little ones it starts with giving a million choices a day. Do you want to wear blue shoes or red shoes, do you want water or milk, do you want to walk or be carried, do you want to read a book or do a puzzle? Dumb choices but it makes them feel like they are in charge of their life. Then the next part is to say "Uh-oh" when they have done something wrong and immediately remove them from the problem - sometimes to their crib if that is appropriate. And say, "we can play (or eat or whatever), when you are sweet (or pleasant etc)." Consistency. That is where I struggle.