Now, as a parent, and as Bella develops more and more, I am beginning to see little signs of what I think may be tantrums, even in my little 5 month old. Is this possible? She has become super verbal in the past two weeks, and she is using her voice for the good and the bad. For example, Bella is not a fan of sitting in her high chair. How do I know this? Well, often times when you put her in it, she will stiffen up and begin to whine. If you remove her, she immediately stops, which I made the mistake of doing the first few times. But now that I have learned her routine, and realized it is really all about her dislike of the chair, I give her a few toys, buckle her in and let her sit there while I make her food. The little girl usually recovers within seconds of me walking away to prepare her food. After a few times of this, she has grown to like her high chair, and is now learning that is where she must sit when she eats.
So is this a tantrum? I am not quite sure if Bella knows what a tantrum is, but I do believe she has learned that with words, or sounds in her case, she often gets what she wants. And when it comes to most things this is true. When she is hungry and cries, I feed her. When she is tired and cries, we put her in her bed and she goes to sleep. But does that mean when she whines in her high chair, I should remove her? I do not think so. Instead, I think it is a chance for me to teach her what is appropriate, by setting up safe boundaries.
Please share your thoughts, opinions, and experiences in the comment section of this blog. Oh how I hope we are not alone in this struggle.
4 comments:
Oh girl! You are soooo not alone :) Rest ashured that each and every parent out there has seen this happen too! And in my opinion, they do start learning this early! It is amazing to see it, like you said. With Henry it truley amazed me that they start testing their boundaries so early. I think you are right on making her sit in her chair! They are already learning their boundaries and what is expected of them. So why make more work for yourself later? You are such a good mommy! ( so totally my opinion after watching my three babies go through it! I'm sure there are lots of ways to deal with it!)
You are not alone at all! Ethan has very recently started throwing tantrums. If I'm feeding them both and I can't get the food to his mouth fast enough, he starts. If I pick Lucas up and he decides he wants picked up too, he starts. If it's nap time and he decides he doesn't want to lay down at the same time as Lucas, he goes nuts! I'm trying my hardest to find a balance between leaving him be to cry and giving him attention. In some cases he just has to wait. Instances such as naps or sitting in the pack n play so I can get something done, sometimes I have to wonder is it worth it to not have him cry hysterically. Like you said, we are the parents that must set limits and boundaries. It's what's best for them. Sometimes it's rough though! Good Luck!
Yes, ma'am. You're doing the right thing. Like just this week, Jaggar has learned that he loves macaroni and cheese. He's also learned that he wants to try whatever we are eating and the moment he doesn't get the food in his mouth, he lets out a blood curdling scream. I say, "NO." sternly. He will still scream on the next bite (or before rather) but I just keep doing it. Ahh, the joys of parenting. :) You will learn what is best for you ALL.
Jenn-I'm sure after your three and now to your fourth, you have learned that each one is a bit different and how and when they choose to throw these tantrums is a lovely challenge. Jeannie--I couldn't imagine doing it with TWINS! I applaud you for making it work and balancing the life of two babies. Julie--I wondered if saying "NO" was something I needed to start because I wasn't sure if she got what it means. But I guess you gotta start somewhere, right? You all are wonderful mommies and I am so glad I am not alone!
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