28 May 2007

Discipline is hard. Since turning two, Raina has become -- almost overnight -- into a big girl AND a terrible two. She definitely wants things her own way and she gets rather frustrated if her parents disagree with her. And since her parents want her to take a bath, put her toys away, eat at tables, and sit (not stand) in chairs, there are many chances for everyone to experience a Raina tantrum. It progresses like this: Raina starts with a simple "no," then moves on to a more forceful "no" and a throwing of something to the ground in protest, her parents say "okay, Raina, you lost your chance," and then Raina emotionally dissolves and cries and cries and cries. She's inconsolable for about 5-10 minutes. After that time, she returns to the sweet and lovable little miss we've always known.

Let me emphasize the fact this whole process is not enjoyable for anyone, and I, for one, don't understand why it keeps continuing. I think Raina has learned bad habits from the other daycare kids. Unfortunately for Raina, she gets into a tough emotional spot. She is very irritated with her parents and so wants nothing to do with them, but then also gets herself worked up emotionally, in a way that only a comforting parent can help. So she spends a lot of time crying at our legs, we pick her up and try to console her, she fights to get down, we put her down, and then she cries at our legs some more.

I repeat. Kids can be angelic and lovely and all the wonderful things that kids are supposed to be. And then they also can be punks. Here's hoping that Raina returns 100% back to an affectionate and laid-back kid.