So today was a typical day. One of my 18 month old girls (Smiley) has a Napoleon complex. She likes to implement the proven "grab and run" method of choosing toys. Of course the toys in a friends' hand always look better than the IDENTICAL toys in the toy bin! My other 18 month old (Snuggles) is learning to SCREAM whenever little Smiley comes near her. Within the past week, the scream has expanded to anytime Smiley LOOKS at her!
Needless to say, I've been in the process of training a new dynamic among the two. I've been teaching non-verbal Smiley a sign that says, "When you're done, may I please have a turn?" (a favorite phrase I've been teaching the older girls for turn taking) Then the idea is for Snuggles to finish while Smiley waits. It's a lot to expect from 2 girls 18 months of age, but today the consistent reminders paid off for the first time. Smiley did the sign and waited! Snuggles finished her turn, and handed off the toy! Small victory, but you take them where they come!
It didn't take long for my elation to wear off. As soon as Snuggles handed off the toy and I praised Smiley for waiting, Snuggles picked up a new toy. You guessed it! The process started again, this time with less favorable results. I refused to let the next 10 grab and screams over the course of the morning get me down. Chalk today up as the beginning of the new way!
Here's hoping the optimism lasts!
Needless to say, I've been in the process of training a new dynamic among the two. I've been teaching non-verbal Smiley a sign that says, "When you're done, may I please have a turn?" (a favorite phrase I've been teaching the older girls for turn taking) Then the idea is for Snuggles to finish while Smiley waits. It's a lot to expect from 2 girls 18 months of age, but today the consistent reminders paid off for the first time. Smiley did the sign and waited! Snuggles finished her turn, and handed off the toy! Small victory, but you take them where they come!
It didn't take long for my elation to wear off. As soon as Snuggles handed off the toy and I praised Smiley for waiting, Snuggles picked up a new toy. You guessed it! The process started again, this time with less favorable results. I refused to let the next 10 grab and screams over the course of the morning get me down. Chalk today up as the beginning of the new way!
Here's hoping the optimism lasts!
2 comments:
Hey, it sounds like you've got twins!
Way to keep pluggin' away with the teaching moments, friend. :)
I love it... A sign for a longer, more complex concept is such a great idea. Good job, good mommy! ;-)
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