getting better at reading situations

Monday 12 December 2011

Daddy and Mummy were on a short fuse today. Not enough sleep + not enough time = ungraceful, impatient, irritable

I open the front door, let Kate and myself into the house, removing my boots (Kate has already removed her shoes), and is ready to snack. So, while I am putting the bags down and walking into the house, she starts asking for something to eat. I want to quickly get started on dinner, but I have to get her some snacks while she waits for me to cook, then she wants to watch TV (reminded her no TV prog on school days). Then she finishes her snack and wants something else (I inform her that dinner will be ready soon, why don’t you do some drawing). Then she wants sticky tape and glue (I ask her to use whatever she has instead, and she ends up cutting). Pretty good improvisation (her Daddy’s genes)

I snapped at her a couple of times during the evening as both Kenneth and herself were trying to speak to me, and I was trying to get dinner ready, then clean the dishes (while Kenneth was preparing something for his client). She noticed that, and very promptly finished her dinner, asked for her dessert and proceeded to bring the dishes to the sink.

I had a chat with her before bed and explained to her that she needs to learn how to take turns when speaking. I noticed  that she tends to want to speak when her Daddy is speaking. That is frustrating for all parties involved, for me because I can’t hear what they are saying, for Daddy because he wants to complete his sentence, and Kate because she wants to be heard too. So I suggested she put her hand up whenever she wants to speak and Daddy and I will let her have her turn. It worked. I was telling her a story, and when I looked up at her, she had her hand raised and was smiling at me I praised her for her efforts and she beamed from ear to ear.

Its true. Encouragement works! I am so glad I took the time to explain and offer suggestions to her. Fulfilled : )

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