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kitchen timer saves sanity
hi,
My DS who's nearly 2 throws a tantrum at a lot of things, as most toddlers do. He does not like me switching off baby TV. He does not like to leave the playground (especially the slide). He won't go to bed at bedtime. My OH says I should just grab him and take him to bed etc and not just let him get away with saying "no, no, no" when I want him to do something.
Anyway, I am trying a new strategy and it seems to be working, so I thought I'll share it with you. I have bought a kitchen timer in the shape of a cute chicken. When I turn on baby TV, I say to DS "when the chicken sings, then mummy has to turn the TV off". I set the timer for maybe 10 or 20 mins or whatever, and then when it eventually rings, I show the timer to DS and say "oh the chicken says it's time to turn off the TV". DS then just seems to accept it, and I make sure I do something that he likes, such as reading his favourite books to him or give him a drink of water.
I have tried this strategy with the timer when I took him to the playground today, and this evening at bedtime. It's working so far. My OH is impressed (I think). I am so proud of DS. Previously he's been so difficult to pacify once he goes into a tantrum. But now, he seems to be happy to do "what the chicken says".
Mind you, I'd better not tempt fate by going on and on about how good he is, just in case I've jinxed myself.
xx
My DS who's nearly 2 throws a tantrum at a lot of things, as most toddlers do. He does not like me switching off baby TV. He does not like to leave the playground (especially the slide). He won't go to bed at bedtime. My OH says I should just grab him and take him to bed etc and not just let him get away with saying "no, no, no" when I want him to do something.
Anyway, I am trying a new strategy and it seems to be working, so I thought I'll share it with you. I have bought a kitchen timer in the shape of a cute chicken. When I turn on baby TV, I say to DS "when the chicken sings, then mummy has to turn the TV off". I set the timer for maybe 10 or 20 mins or whatever, and then when it eventually rings, I show the timer to DS and say "oh the chicken says it's time to turn off the TV". DS then just seems to accept it, and I make sure I do something that he likes, such as reading his favourite books to him or give him a drink of water.
I have tried this strategy with the timer when I took him to the playground today, and this evening at bedtime. It's working so far. My OH is impressed (I think). I am so proud of DS. Previously he's been so difficult to pacify once he goes into a tantrum. But now, he seems to be happy to do "what the chicken says".
Mind you, I'd better not tempt fate by going on and on about how good he is, just in case I've jinxed myself.
xx
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Replies
OH should be impressed and you should be proud of you for coming up with it!!
xxx
Seriously, I always find it a fight to get them into the bath, than once there it's a fight to get them out again!!!
Now where did you get the cute chicken one from....?
xxxxxxx
I even got one for her nursery so that she can start her pre school work on a good note rather then them nagging her to"sit down" all the time lol!
I would reccomend it to everyone xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Where did you get it from hun?? x x x
I bought my timer cheaply from eBay. I think you can buy them in department stores and high street shops.
Be careful to check the loudness of the ringing. My DS was quite frightened one time when it seemed really loud just because I put it too close to the sofa. Top of the TV is good place - out of reach but easily seen.
xx
Mine is on the side in the kitchen as thats where we spend most of our time, playing games/drawing. I can slip it in my bag on the way out with them noticing too just incase of a "tense"moment while Im out lol!! It also helps DD2 sit in the trolley for a little longer in the super market too cos she want everyone to hear the ringing noise so keeps on setting it offf lol!