While many mothers would say – that they are not like other mothers and only write the good things about their kids and never the bad ones – i too understand that Chloe is not all sweet and angelic. But having said that – Chloe is often good more than naughty and if she was naughty – we often see it as she wants attention more than being bad. And I hear you all – mummies and daddies out there – we have a living to make and we have commitments to work – in order to bring in the bread and butter.
My own mother had to work 6 days a week – and i think because of that we were never really closed – and I’m truly sad about it too. So for Chloe – even though we own our own store and can have her with us all the time – we too have to work. And like all kids – they never get enough attention and they act out – Chloe does that sometimes too.
Up to last October – it was only the babysitter who has given chloe time out – so we are pretty newbie when this time out thing is concern. And if you hear PB going ” Cut it out!” when we are out with chloe – that’s because he is the disciplinarian in our relationship. But like PB said – although the standard is a min per year of age – it is not meant to punish the kid – when you give your kid a timeout – it is to help regain control and if she won’t sit still during time out – it’s ok – because she knows that there are consequences.
Another tip is to track when your kid is having a tantrum or breakdown – did she get enough to eat and nap time? if she was hungry – or even if she wasn’t feeling good – but what if your child has a meltdown in the mall ? Chloe only did it once – in her entire life – but what would you do? We turned right around and send her home – just once – and it never happened again. My time out tips? never to shout at your kids – in public or at home – time out first – reason later and explain the consequences. Any tips to share? mommies and daddies out there?