Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Interesting Liamdote


Yesterday Liam was doing something naughty (but it couldn't have been too bad because I can't remember what it was) and I parented him with the age old threat "Do you want to go to time-out?" He usually responds with swift shake of the head like most toddlers pleading for their lives, but this time he looked up at me with his big blues and said "Yeah." Ummmmm, okay. So, I tested this interesting answer but saying "Okay, go into time-out" as I pointed to the corner of the room but continued to sit on my own lazy rear. Sure enough, Liam marched over to the wall and slowly backed into the corner, solemnly keeping his eyes on me the entire time. After approx. 1.5 minutes of a silent stare down, I released him from his sentence and he hurriedly ran over to me with a smile on his face. He has since performed this penitent prisoner act once for Billy and again for me today (after he both bit and pinched me--HARD-- for not playing Bear in the Big Blue house over and over again). My question for other parents is this-- is this normal? Why does he apparently seem to enjoy this punishment? And, for the love, since he volunteers for it, what are my other options?

5 comments:

Team Clarkhelm said...

Fill a can with pennies and shake it real loud. That's what I am going to do when I have kids and they misbehave. Or... the squirt gun works wonders on naughty kittens. Sorry, my only slightly relatable experience is with pet ownership. I am pretty good with middleschoolers so I'll be your go to woman in about 10 years.
I love you and your cute little rascal,
Ldubbs

ang said...

ha ha! liam the master manipulator!! you should check out this book if you haven't already: Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood. it is AMAZING (and a quick read)!

Anonymous said...

He voluntarily goes to time out? No complaints? He probably doesn't enjoy it but is obedient and sees it as a consequence for his misbehavior. It is natural he would want an assurance of love after his punishment. Perhaps he is tractable by nature. Could be that you have the perfect child. He must get it from his grandfather.

Anonymous said...

Try smacking him

Anonymous said...

please don't smack him