I’ve read some great blogs about parenting instinct recently. Instincts at birth, instincts regarding sleep, feeding, education.
Today I tried a very brief experiment – to avoid the instinct to NO. By the instinct to NO I mean that temptation on a Saturday morning to embrace any request from a whiny toddler with a negative, or even, simply, with trepidation.
I didn’t mean allowing chaos to reign completely, but just letting the day be a little more flexible. Is it disastrous if he wants a different cup or toast not cereal? Could we play with bath toys outside? Do little babies *like*Octonauts and would it be okay if they watch it?
My main impetus was not to do with Spider-boy actually, but his brother who has developed, simultaneously, a deceptively huge wingspan (when carried at the hip) and the habit of screaming at the top of his voice like a shrill egret when he doesn’t get what he wants. What he wants, of course, is usually my nipple in his mouth.
And this is good, my intention not being serious or academic (rather than my budding eagle sleep thief) as the experiment was short lived. Spider-boy, ever vigilant for parental differences, deviations or weaknesses on which to swoop could smell the proverbial from the off. Sensing a shift in power, a window of opportunity whilst drawing at the table he smiled. ‘You know guys,’ he says, ‘do you know what we need with these crayons? GLITTER’.
Here is DM A's comment:
Tried to comment again, but it won't verify my URL again! This is funny. My little girl isn't even 9 months old yet, and I find myself no-ing quite a lot. Will try a no-free-day tomorrow. Oh, I have tagged you into a Q&A x
Website: http://www.dummymummy.co.uk
I have to say… I do rather adore Spider-boy!
as they say, 'pick your battles': is there really a good reason not to paint the grass, wear pyjamas to tesco, or sleep with your head at the wrong end of the bed. ETC!!!