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A Slap to My Face

Nothing feels like a slap in the face...like an actual slap to the face.

I keep playing the moment in my head time and time again.  In slow motion.  Forward.  Backward.

I think the moment that gets the most was the look in her eye right before she choose to slap me.

Let me rewind.  Haley and I just returned from a busy afternoon.  Haley and my little buddy kept me company to the car wash and Wal-Mart. They both were absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for better behaved children. While dropping of my buddy at his mom's, I noticed Haley was reaching her limits.  I hustled home to feed Haley and myself some dinner.

I knew in the back of my head that she is both hungry, thirsty, and probably exhausted.  So I was prepared to quickly prepared her dinner and to offer her a drink.  When I put her down, she went straight for the kitchen--crying, fussing, and carrying on.

I have been working with her to use her words instead of the crying. Encouraging her to communicate with me.  Sometimes she gets it.  But most of the time, if she is in the cry mode, there is no looking back.  I patiently bent down to eye level  and simply told Haley that all she needed to say is "drink please".  She stopped crying for a split second.....

I actually thought she was preparing to speak.  To use her words.  To begin to understand the concept of communication through words instead of tantrums.

Oh was I wrong.  I noticed, almost a smile in the corner of her slightly upturned lips--right before she smacked me across the face.

I immediately scooped her up and put her in "time-out" stating, "It is okay to be angry, but it is not okay to hit."  

She's not even a year and a half.  Why I was expecting her to understand these complex ideas?  I have no idea.

Hitting is not okay.  But I am forced to reevaluate my methods.  I was expecting too much.  I am taking it back a notch.  Giving her the words she needs instead of expecting them from her.  The words will come.  In time.

Sigh*  Haley, Haley, Haley












Comments

Shannon said…
She's just a perfect little toddler- growing, learning, testing her limits :) Try not to overthink it! I'm not an expert, but I think you're doing a great job!
9/18/2012 11:25 PM
Erin said…
I think she needs some quality time with Auntie Erin. That's all :)
9/19/2012 9:01 PM
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