Community› The Bump Message Boards› Pre-School and Daycare
Pre-School and Daycare
New Discussion

Did I do ok, or did I cave?

BigIsland07BigIsland07 member
in Pre-School and Daycare

DS has been a little turkey lately. He's started with the 'tude -- "I don't want to, mama." or "I'm not gonna do it, mama." and it gets bad. He's REALLY stubborn (totally gets that from me, dangit.) Well, tonight was like many lately -- we're having a good time, eating dinner and hanging out. He's watching a little Caillou since I had to put DD down and DH is out of town. I tell him we're going to finish this episode and head to bed. He says, "great, mom!"

Not great. The episode ends and he freaks out, "I don't want to go to bed, mom!" I give him options -- "well, it's time for bed. I know you don't want to go right now, but it's time. We talked about it and it's time. You can either stand up and we can walk upstairs together, or I can carry you up --but it won't be fun." He's not throwing a temper tantrum, but he clearly doesn't want to go to bed.

 Long story short, he ends up going to bed without stories and he's angry. He cries in his bed for about 7 minutes, at which point I go in and snuggle him and we talk about how it's no fun to have a night like that, and how we love each other, and how it's so much more fun when we can be a good listener, be silly, read stories, and enjoy one another. He promises to be a better listener because he agrees its fun. We say "love you love you love you" a million times, I get him some water and a tissue and I leave the room.

Did I handle that ok? It's happening more frequently these days. Or did I cave by going back in there? What would you have done?

Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
CafeMom Tickers
Report Reply to Post

Re: Did I do ok, or did I cave?

  • sunnydays99sunnydays99 member
    I would have done the same thing. I would hate for DS to go to bed thinking he was in trouble or that I was mad at him. I think it goes along the lines of "don't go to bed angry"! He was obviously receptive to the conversation once you went back and hopefully he'll eventually learn that he'll have more fun if he listens! Good job mama!!
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    image

    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • LoveEeyoreLoveEeyore member

    I think you did fine.  It would have been caving if you said "you can go to sleep nicely or cry, but Mommy's not coming baack in."

    I would remind him before he puts his show on tomorrow that bedtime was sad lastnight and he needs to remember to come up nicely.  If it happens a second time, THEN you're reinforcing it and forming a habit.  Then you'll have to reconsider having a show before bed.  But I think you did a great job. 

    My husband is out of town or working late most nights and sanity and peace is important too. 

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • Mama-BearMama-Bear member
    I think you handled the situation perfectly.

    GSx1 - 05/13/2013
    GSx2 for T&B - EDD 6/21/2015 - They're having a GIRL!
    babybaby
    BabyGaga
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"