Lucas isn't a bad kid, he is just a little high-spirited. At least that's the term I discovered in one of the books I am reading about discipline. Books are so wonderful for giving me ideas! (And sometimes that is even a good thing.) But back to Lucas. Compared to some of his friends, he seems to be...well, a little over-the-top. He is loud, super-enthusiastic and passionate about whatever it is he is doing. At least that is what I see. He is optimistic and positive. Maybe it is because when he is up he is so very very up, but when he is down...ohhh boy, his meltdowns are pretty impressive (and not in a good way).
After finally making it past page 3 in the book, I actually discovered a point that made sense to me (books are funny that way). It talked about building the relationship with your child and one element of that should be fun - "a little every day". It occurred to me that over the last year, I was missing out on playing with Lucas consistently. I remember when he was 3 or 4 I would chase him around at the park and it was so much fun because he would squeal with delight. It was joy for me. Now that I am older (yes, I chose that word instead of lazier), I prefer more "girly" activities. (I've got Lucas liking tea parties.) But back to play. When I worked, both Gunnar and I shared discipline and we also shared in the fun. Now that I am at home, I am primary disciplinarian and since I put Liam to bed every night I miss out on some of the fun and sharing that occurs in the evening - playtime before bed and reading to him.
Ahhh...it makes sense now, whenever Lucas is asked about what he is grateful for, or he loves, or has to talk about one parent, he consistently says, "I love my Papa because he plays with me". I play with him too, but clearly not in any way that registers with him. (Maybe because I am also playing with Liam at the same time.) So, amongst the many plans I make, I intend to be more deliberate in playing with him, so I am not only the parent he has to rail against. I am also the parent he can have fun with.
Maybe the rest of the book has other ideas, or maybe I can just stop now? If only I could just stop falling asleep, who knows what I might learn.
After finally making it past page 3 in the book, I actually discovered a point that made sense to me (books are funny that way). It talked about building the relationship with your child and one element of that should be fun - "a little every day". It occurred to me that over the last year, I was missing out on playing with Lucas consistently. I remember when he was 3 or 4 I would chase him around at the park and it was so much fun because he would squeal with delight. It was joy for me. Now that I am older (yes, I chose that word instead of lazier), I prefer more "girly" activities. (I've got Lucas liking tea parties.) But back to play. When I worked, both Gunnar and I shared discipline and we also shared in the fun. Now that I am at home, I am primary disciplinarian and since I put Liam to bed every night I miss out on some of the fun and sharing that occurs in the evening - playtime before bed and reading to him.
Ahhh...it makes sense now, whenever Lucas is asked about what he is grateful for, or he loves, or has to talk about one parent, he consistently says, "I love my Papa because he plays with me". I play with him too, but clearly not in any way that registers with him. (Maybe because I am also playing with Liam at the same time.) So, amongst the many plans I make, I intend to be more deliberate in playing with him, so I am not only the parent he has to rail against. I am also the parent he can have fun with.
Maybe the rest of the book has other ideas, or maybe I can just stop now? If only I could just stop falling asleep, who knows what I might learn.
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