Is this appropriate?

Theresa · #1 (**permalink**) 30-01-2007, 08:59 PM

I have no idea if what I did was even remotely sensible, so I'd love your opinions please!

Of an evening when its bath time I put the girls in the tub, and usually sit and read when they are playing nicely, but ready to intervene as necessary (I like them to have some playtime together without me interrupting and bath time seems to be the best time for them both). I'll often duck to the next room to get their night nappies sorted or something, but always within ear shot.

Well, tonight I had my book on the bench as usual, ducked out to see if I even had any nappies dry, and went back in and Em had put my book in the tub with her. (it was the libraries copy of budhism for mothers

).

At the time I got cranky with her and told her that was a very silly thing to do, then at bedtime I sat down and had a little talk to her about looking after books and how if she keeps wrecking books she won't have any bedtime stories left (which she loves). I then told her that seeing as she had broken mummies book, she was not going to get a story tonight she had to go to sleep straightaway. She seemed ok with this and has gone to sleep no worries.

So, did I do the right thing? I have never had her do anything like this before so was quite gobsmacked.

I know she is sick with a UTI at the moment and the antibiotics are not agreeing with her sensitive tummy, so she is not herself at all.

Is this type of thing normal 2yo behaviour? I feel like she's been attention seeking all day, so I have told her we will spend lots of time together tomorrow (we HAD to go out today so it was a horrible day.)

THANKS!

mummabare · #2 (**permalink**) 30-01-2007, 09:24 PM

hugs theresa, it does sound like normal 2 yr old stuff to me...and I have to be really careful with things that are a bit precious or dont belong to me. I often pop in and out of the bathroom when Dillon is in the bath, usually to grab a towel or a flannel, or grab something to clean the bathroom ...only ever for second but sometimes its enough isnt it!

Hopefully the book will dry out ok... I think its good that you talked to her because at that age I think they can start to grasp things and it is important for them to know when you are upset too.

*hugs* hope that you have a better day tomorrow and lots of fun together.

MammaRocks · #3 (**permalink**) 30-01-2007, 09:24 PM

Yep I could see my 2yo son doing somehting like that. They don't really understand the consequences of their behaviour sometimes.
In my opinion you handled the situation really well. I think it was good that you explained why it was the wrong thing to do etc.

My advice would be not to stress about it, I hope your DD feels better soon

**Nyree** · #4 (**permalink**) 30-01-2007, 10:09 PM

My warped side finds it amusing that the book to get upset over was called "Buddhism for Mothers". I understand the fact that it was a library book, but I also understand what 2 year olds can do without realising they are doing something 'wrong'.

Sounds like you both handled the situation well

~Harmony~ · #5 (**permalink**) 31-01-2007, 08:22 AM

I would have had the talk and told her there would be consequences next time - hannah cut up a pretty bookmark one day, I told her I was upset and told her there would be no more scissors if she didn't stick to the scrap paper pile in future. She may not have put the book in the bath on purpose, just wanted to see what mummy found so interesting - hannah asks to see my books all the time - then dropped it and didn't realise she should pick it up - hannah is 3.5 and still just looks at a knocked over drink bottle dripping on the floor

Have fun today

Jamie · #6 (**permalink**) 31-01-2007, 08:24 AM

I think it sounds like you handled it well.

kelli · #7 (**permalink**) 31-01-2007, 08:37 AM

I would probably just say taht bath toys are for the bath, books are for reading out of the bath

Theresa · #8 (**permalink**) 31-01-2007, 11:33 AM

thanks so much guys! Its good to know I was on the right track.

we are having a lovely day today and even had my grandparents over for a visit which she loves, so today is another day of bliss so far!

I actually had to have a laugh later because although it was a library book that I'm now going to have to pay to replace, its a book I wanted to buy anyway - so now I have!

Maybe it was a way of showing me that the book NEEDED to be in my life.....