Monday, February 11, 2008

E-bull Shit

Lots of good suggestions on the Biting post, not to mention a debate on whether or not it's okay to bite the little punks back and another suggestion that I not refer to the E-bull one as Satan spawn anymore. I'm going to gloss over those last two, because I'm riding the cotton pony this week and there's an excellent chance that things could escalate into yelling pretty quickly and I don't want to do that (not today anyway) .

I will say that with Big Kid we are big on the "get down on his level, look him in the eye and explain WHY what he did was the wrong thing to do" technique and I know if we did this to little kid he would either give us a hug, laugh and go back to biting or he would bite me while I'm within easy grabbing distance. Unfortunately, the same things don't always work for different kids...that's what makes this parenting gig so tough. As soon as you think you've got it all figured out, God throws a whammy in there.

I very strongly agree with the theory that he enjoys any reaction he gets out of me. This is obviously true since he spends all day looking for one. I also like the suggestion that he gets locked in a high chair instead of his bed for time out. That's a good idea. We don't currently have a high chair, but I'll get the old one out and lock him up. Calmly.

I LOVE the idea of praising and babying the person who got bit and ignoring the biter completely. That really makes sense. My only concern is if this would encourage the rampant tattling problem we're currently battling, but I can deal with the tattling better than I can deal with biting, that is for sure.

It is obvious that little kid does this out of frustration with his lack of language. He always does it when he is angry/not getting his way. I also have to say that sometimes I can't blame him. So I do try to tell him what he should have done instead, "NO! We don't bite. You hurt Bubba and you made him sad. Next time Bubba takes your toy away you say 'NO BUBBA' or get mama." and then he gets put in time out.

This morning he hid behind a chair into the family room, where he had apparently stashed a Sharpie, and did some custom artwork on his pajama top. His new, cute pajama top. Oh well. I'm too beaten down to even get mad at him anymore (give me an hour or two though).

I have to grocery shop, or we're having ketchup soup for dinner tonight and I have to clean up around here. I almost forgot, tonight we have a family thing to go to with family that are in from out of town. I'd rather bathe in kerosene and play with matches. No offense to them. It's me, not them. I swear. Really.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

SO ideas on the biting but it sounds like you already have a plan. Have you thought about teaching little kid to sign some words? I just learned a few important ones and taught my dd right around a year old and it was great!

Kari said...

"Riding the cotton pony" is the funniest shit I've ever heard. Not kidding.
Which either means you're really funny or I'm easy to entertain! :)

Jennifer said...

I think if you give birth to them, you can call them anything you like. I call my youngest El Diablo. It's one of the perks of being the mom.

Anonymous said...

Maybe you can drop him off with the Jews and they won't notice?

Anonymous said...

No advice but just wanted to let you know that reading your blog is my "timeout" from my 17 month old terror. I can relate to 99% of what you are going through... I wake up most mornings wanting to go back to bed so as not to have to deal with it all over again! I keep hoping this "stage" would pass quickly! I couldn't even get through typing this comment without having to go break up a fight with my 4 yr old. Good grief! Well, better go pick up all the tissues he pulled from the box before he shreds them into tiny pieces....thanks for all the laughs!

Bad Mommy said...

Seriously, where do people get off creating drama in YOUR comments section?

I was going to start yelling but I've been busy with BC, now THAT place is evil.

I personally like Satan spawn and call my own youngest daughter the same. I don't do it to her face, well, I TRY not too.

Do what works for you and E-bull. Like I said, I HIGHLY doubt he'll still bite at 18.

Joy said...

Oh hell yea you can call him what you want he is your kid. You aloud him to ride comfy and warm in your belly for nine months then squeezed him out your vajayjay, it is your right!

I for one enjoy the name "Little Evil" it is the chosen one for #2.

Oh yea the "cotton pony" hillariuos as usual! keep it up

Anonymous said...

I didn't get to comment on the "Shocker" post because, I had to actually work--I know, no excuse. BUT I think you should get a goat (like you said) and tie him to it, on a little saddle...I believe I offered this advice before and I think you should take it. :) Problem solved!

AFRo said...

We know it's you. Freak. LOL.

Anonymous said...

This always sounds so strange but my little brother was on the verge of getting kicked out of pre-school because of biting. My mom heard from somewhere that you should thump him on on the nose. She did it with reservations but it worked so well that she only had to do it a couple of times. She just thumped him on the tip of the nose- it doesn't hurt but it makes his eyes well up. Sounds mean but it works like a charm!

Andrea

MarĂ­a said...

Ketchup Soup?

*leaves to google*