S02
May 4, 2011, 3:59am
10
Re: Temperament/caring for 6mo, 2 year old, and 3 year old
Thanks Sarad! I just came back from a long day with those kids and it was very hard but fun at times too. The older kid still steps on the toys and I continue to give him time outs but by the end of the day he stopped it. As for the gate idea, it is a very good idea but does not work for this small apartment. The kitchen and the living room are seperated in such a way by a wall that a gate can not be put there. It is too wide of a gap. Yes, the kid has toys but his mom said to not let him play with it all day? Can you believe that. He is only one and a half years old. He cannot control himself or even think for himself. The mother told me to teach the kids Abcs via flashcards and read books and keep play time to no more than half an hour. I also put the kids for a one hour nap. You are very right that it takes a lot of perseverance to teach the kids right from wrong. With time, they will learn it. The older kid reminded his little brother there was no running which I thought was cute but at the same time he has learned its something you don’t do. In due time, things will get much better. It was only my third day today.
Also, I wouldn’t worry about the playing. Kids learn from play and interaction. They don’t need flashcards to learn (tho those are fine too). The point is to provide them with new experiences, challenges, and social interaction.
Honestly if the kid is happy and behaving, eating and sleeping well, you’re doing a great job.