Oh Hec, I just read Emmett's essay. It is absolutely wonderful, really really sweet. I love his description of Mathilda's eyes.

You can?

I don't know. I only know what worked with Emmett. But he did get at least one, sometimes two awful, screechy, meltdown timeouts a day when he was 2 and 3 years old. I mean, and I gave him timeouts for bad attitude too, though most of them were for fairly egregious tantrumy behavior.

I gave Matilda a timeout today and it was the first time in a month and a half. That's not what it was like with Emmett at the same age. He was exhausting.

Seriously, I'm no expert. I only know my kids. But I did have to find a consequence that was powerful enough to make him unhappy and make the behavior mod work. And I am not by inclination a strict disciplinarian.

But he was just pushing all the time against boundaries that he knew were there. So I'd look for reasons to drop the hammer when I had a controlled situation. Anyway, that was a couple of unfun years of my life.

On the plus side, he's pretty great now.

Face it, Gud, jinxing the Royals is just not all that tough.

That is a lovely essay from Emmett. Brought a tear to my eye.

Yay Grace on the walking!

I have called in the big guns. My mother is coming to help me sew. I have to clean my apartment, because she is getting a ride on Friday, and she may be able to stay until Sunday. This is a lifesaver.

I'm just joking Hec. I am not truly concerned about Isaac's behavior, but I do notice time outs and toys taken away for misbehavior don't seem to have any long term effect on him. Sure he changes his behavior in the short run, but the next time he's out of sorts he's right back at it.

but I do notice time outs and toys taken away for misbehavior don't seem to have any long term effect on him.

That's the thing. Some kids take timeouts to heart, and others will sit there with a bemused look on their face and raise an eyebrow and say, "Okay, am I done?"

The idea that he was being punished was upsetting to Emmett. For some kids that doesn't work.

FWIW, I'm not worried about Isaac either. He sounds like he knows what he wants and is pretty confident.

Emmett's essay was wonderful!

Grace walking is made of win!

yay for walking girl!

The idea that he was being punished was upsetting to Emmett. For some kids that doesn't work.

Heh. Yeah for Isaac the idea that he isn't getting what he wants is crushing, but I'm not sure how much is angst/remorse. Maybe 40% remorse?

you all are doing NOTHING to make me re-think this whole, making an effort to find a mate thing. I would seriously go on strike for anything a mate wanted if there wasn't help with housework.

I didn't marry Dh for his housekeeping skills. Nor did h marry me for mine

It's not about the skills. It's if they didn't done that I'd start stiffening. If we can't agree on a level of cleanliness we both like and both strive to attain, so one of us can walk away for a couple day, or even just come home late and not have to clean up WWIV.

But I am chill on relationships right now, because I can't get all hot and bothered over any of the posts on OK Cupid. I haven't read one that screamed "Like me! I mesmerise with my words and you stare into my eyes, and you must have me."

Not a one. A few I'd hang out with--hung out with one today, but he's going to need clear boundaries.

I know there's a type they'd describe me as in the vitriolic forums. Holier than thou, I guess.