We decided to stop baby-ing Ignatius, and let him walk by himself when we ferry him to-and-fro Grandma's house, the car, and home, in the mornings and at night.
Last night, Ignatius wanted to go in all directions when we were walking back home from the car. He loves staircases, and loves to walk up and down ALL the stairs. We tried to steer him towards the right flight of stairs to go up, but in the end, we did have to take the lift up the 11floors, though I'm sure Ignatius wouldn't mind walking up.
He SCREAMED when we plucked him off the stairs and into the lift. This continued even when we were standing in our living room hall. Not willing to tolerate tantrums, we put him down. He lay on the floor and continued screaming. He tried rolling around and screaming, but soon realised that his head would hurt when it hit the floor. So he just lay there.
After about 5mins, he realised we weren't paying any attention. He sat up, shut up, and starting hiccuping (the way kids do when they've cried and cried and cried). We thought, alright, can pacify him now. So we went over to carry him and soothe him. He started screaming again. Think he was testing his limits with us. Down on the floor he went again.
The screaming session lasted much shorter this time. And when we picked him up, he stayed hiccupy, but silent. We praised him continuously for stopping his tantrum a-la Supernanny style.
So that works! Will use it more next time. *grin*
mother hen said...
Thanks for writing this post. I forsee it happening soon, now I have to strategise and think of what to do when it happens. Scary!
said...
Thanks for letting me know I am not alone... :D
Hope I don't turn into those old hag screaming at kids at supermarket!!