Kat's Playbook: Parenting is Hard

Showing posts with label Parenting is Hard. Show all posts

GAFT: The Check Out System

During our GAFT episodes, I have realized the following:

You MUST (and I repeat MUST) have a "Check Out System". I am not sure when Gator Guy and I officially started our Check Out System, but it is the only thing that keeps us sane.

The Check Out System is when one parent is struggling like hell getting Mr. T to calm down and in turn getting frustrated, angry, upset or any other emotion we don't want Mr. T to do. The other parent gives a look, a tap on the shoulder, or even verbally says "time to check out". At that moment, parent #1 walks away... usually making no eye contact. My preferred method is verbally while Gator Guy gives the look. Fitting.

This works for us because it makes us realize that we are not alone, we BOTH get frustrated and it is not good for any parties involved if the parent is too worked up. We've all been there...you raise your voice at the toddler to make that point that they should not yell or scream. Makes sense, right? Hell no. That's damn confusing for the little ones. So the Check Out System is a necessity.

Now, if the Check Out System is not available where either both parents are so fired up to handle the situation or you are alone, then is it time to implement the Parent Time Out. I remember using this one when Mr. T was just a babe and wouldn't stop crying. I felt like a terrible mother that I had to sit in the bathroom downstairs with the door closed just to have a moment to breathe. But it is what kept me sane. A fellow Yogi reminded me of this technique this week. She would say to her little one, "Honey, it is time for Mama to have a time out." That is correct. Mama needs a time out!! Mr. T may be confused and he may just continue to cry it out, but the Mama Timeout already has served us well.

Plus it gives me the perfect opportunity to pour a glass of brew. Don't Judge.

Posted in: 3 year old, Don't Judge, GAFT, Motherhood, Only a Mother Would Say, Parenting is Hard on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 25 comments

GAFT: Round 2

GAFT continues to overpower us as of late. And I wish there was a magic potion or something to relieve it. I suppose if there was, we would have a million kids and no use for Mama Happy Hour.

This week has been hard. Perhaps we are STILL recovering from our awesome trip to Disneyland (post to come), or perhaps it is just the GAFT (God Awful Fucking Three's). Either way, it is difficult.

How are parents suppose to cope?? What solutions actually work???

We have tried the following:
1. Firm rules
2. Timeout
3. Distractions
4. Taking away beloved toys
5. Bribery
6. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
7. Cry it out
8. Cars2
9. Music
10. Back rubs
11. Food
12. Water break

I am sure some of the expert parents in the world laugh at my list and see that the main thing lacking is consistency. Whatever. Screw you expert parents, because this shit can be hard.

What eventually calmed down the most recent episode of GAFT was some Magic Music. I explained to Mr. T that when he was a baby, I would play for him two very special songs and it would calm him down. I have no idea how he heard me with all that screaming, but he was intrigued and wanted to hear the tunes. So I played a remake of Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Quincy Coleman and Sweet Sweet Baby by Michelle Featherstone. Worked like a charm....at least this time. And I will store the Magic Music in my GAFT back pocket.

Posted in: 3 year old, GAFT, Motherhood, Only a Mother Would Say, Parenting is Hard, The Jams on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 1 comments

GAFT: The God Awful Effing Three's

My boss once told me, "Screw the terrible 2's. That's nothing. It is the God-Awful-Fucking-Three's that is the real problem." I remember laughing at him and recorded the quote in "Shit My Boss Says". Yet another use for google docs ;)

The other day I was reminded of my boss's quote.

This is Mr. T after hysterically crying and throwing tantrums just about ALL FREAKING DAY.

And YES...that is a PUDDLE OF PEE that he is sitting in. It totally reminded me of when he smeared shit all over his crib. I don't know which is worse. A part of me felt bad that I took the picture, but all ready he says, "that's the day I was BAD." Yes Mr. T, we all need to remind ourselves to not throw a fit and pee ourselves.

And so, I officially introduce to you: GAFT. The God-Awful-Fucking-Three's. He's got a seriously case of GAFT and I am just praying that the 4's are easier!

Posted in: 3 year old, GAFT, Motherhood, Only a Mother Would Say, Parenting is Hard on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 2 comments