Carolien needs parenting tips

In the past few months, I have been counting myself quite rich with Otis: he has been sleeping through the night from seven to seven since he was six months old, laughs continuously, never has a morning grump, is super social, never has huge crying fits, and has the cutest little face ever. That terrible-two phase is undoubtedly going to be skipped, it can't be otherwise. Well, little did I know… Since last week, Mr. has developed a small will of his own that dogs wouldn't even want. When Jon's mother told me that he would turn purple as a little boy and then faint if he didn't get his way, I started to worry a bit. But until now, I fervently hoped that Otis had not inherited that side of his genes. All jokes aside: that ‘two is no‘ phase goes through all children, and I think it's very good to set boundaries because they need them. Being consistent in what is and isn't allowed turns out to be crucial, something Jon has a much better handle on than I do. With a nice smile or a loud scream in a restaurant I am quicker to stretch my boundaries a bit.

I have lined up a few dilemmas for you with multiple choice answers (and I have tried them all at least once). Hopefully, experienced mothers can give some tips on what to do best in each situation. And for all expectant mothers: you know what awaits you…

For all the situations below, it takes place in a public space: supermarket, restaurant, airplane; you name it. In other words: there are a lot of spectators involved.

1. Lying on the ground and crying uncontrollably

a. Completely ignore, they will stop on their own

b. Engage in conversation and kindly try to explain that this is not ‘the way to go’

c. Pick them up somewhat roughly and sternly tell them that you do not tolerate this behavior

2. Wanting to play with the phone, fork, full glass of water with ice cubes, or something in that category at all costs

a. Find an alternative and distract him/her so that they forget the object in question immediately

b. Take it away and explain that this cannot be played with (at this moment)

c. Put them on your partner's lap: let him solve the issue

3. Not wanting to be strapped into the stroller

a. Comfort and admit that you wouldn't like being strapped into such a small cart either

b. Stuff a pacifier in their mouth and hope they stop resisting

c. Ignore, continue with your action, and possibly push through somewhat roughly

4. The little one refuses to lie still during a diaper change (in a too awkward place: quickly in the stroller, trunk, toilet where there is actually no changing table, so you use the sink or that tiny cabinet where the towels are)

a. Go ahead: if you keep flailing and your hands end up in the poop, then you'll squeak differently

b. Distract with the soap dispenser and pray that he/she doesn't discover how it works

c. Take the risk and let this diaper change pass you by