As you all know, Mike and I have been going through the Growing Kids big, long series. We just got through the week on encouragement and I must say, it is really changing my parenting. I tend to be a bit authoritative with Clara - as evidenced by the fact that I am all about first time obedience - and thinking about encouragement has shed a whole new light onto parenting for me. Before, in my mind, the word "no" seemed very clear and when Clara disobeyed, there were Swift consequences (I'm quick!). And, while "no" still means "no", I'm trying to make it a positive "no" rather than a condemnatory "no." Like, I'm training her in what is a "yes" and what is a "no" so she can internalize it more instead of getting frustrated for saying "no" for the three hundred thousandth time that day. We had a huge breakthrough with her this last week that's been awesome. I've been hesitant to teach Clara to actually say "no;" I just haven't been ready to deal with her telling me "no," you know? But Mike showed Clara a "no-no," had her say it and then point to the "no-no" when asked. Brilliant! She's so happy she can identify a "no-no" that it doesn't even seem like restriction! Crazy, but cool and has helped so much. And I'm still working on seeing positive ways to frame things rather than as corrections (though, I think that comes more into play when she's a bit older.) Anyway, it's been a real breakthrough week for me!
We went to the doctor for Clara's 18 mo. checkup on Monday. I know! She's so Big! Her stats:
weight: 25 pounds, 12 ounces - 59%
height: 34 inches - 95%
head circum.: 18 1/2 inches - 61%
She's a tall little lady! She does great at the doctor's office, except for when the doctor is there. It kind of stinks, actually, because our visit ended up being really short due to the UNCONTROLLABLE SCREAMING! Makes it kind of hard to have any sort of meaningful discussion with the pediatrician. Luckily, from the two questions I was able to answer of the doctor's, everything is looking good. Praise God for such a healthy kidlet!
And, I just wanted to share this because it was so sweet. Before her nap this afternoon, Clara grabbed a dusting rag and started to dust the furniture! Unprompted, un"taught" she just started cleaning! We really like her to carry her weight at home - cleaning up toys, putting laundry away, throwing stuff away - whatever. But, now, it looks like I can get her to start doing some more advanced housework. Cashin' in! (I am kidding, of course. Well, sort of, anyway...)
2 comments:
So great that you all are doing well!
Quick story- Taylor started doing the "cleaning" thing. She goes all over the house wiping here, wiping there. She gets in a trance and won't stop! It's awesome, and weird at the same time! What a fun age!
Thats so great that she likes to clean, take advantage of it. Cheyanne likes to clean too & does "chores". ofcourse we dont call it that, but it is "help Mommy time". I make a game out of it, we race to put toys up, I ask for my special helper to put up laundry, etc. She loves being Mommy's helper & I know she is learning too. so fun! :)
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