I usually do every other week day babysitting 16 month old GD (2-3 times a week). The other grandma is gone for two weeks, and I am in the midst of week 1. GD is extremely mobile, and she adores water & dirt (and the two together). I am having fun, but it’s definitely more tiring in my 60’s than it was in my 30’s. I am trying to enjoy this time, though, because it will drop to once a week in mid-September … there is a three day a week opening at the daycare D has had GD on the waitlist for since before she was born.
8 Likes
GD is so much fun, but we’re exhausted at the end of the day. She’s been a little wildcat lately and is big for her age, so having to pick her up to keep her from doing something dangerous has become painful.
5 Likes
At least there are two of you to ‘tag team’ on controlling that ‘wildcat’. Use thinking about the times she becomes that way and control the schedule to subside it a bit. Rewards. Calming behavior. She will learn about rewards and behaviors that are reinforced.
We do, but there’s always some new way to “tease” us. Her mother was similarly challenging, but not quite as creative.
I do have to remind H sometimes to turn his head if he can’t help smiling. He also tends to get her jazzed up which is fine at some times but not others.
2 Likes
See my reply to myself. LOL.
I am traumatized because today I got poop on my hands.
4 Likes
20+ years ago, this is what I did with my kiddos:
https://www.amazon.com/Toilet-Training-Less-Than-Day/dp/1982120754/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=potty+training+in+less+than+a+day&qid=1653009882&s=books&sprefix=potty+training+in%2Cstripbooks%2C304&sr=1-2
They were closer to 3 yo than 2, and it worked quite well for us. YMMV
2 Likes
My next door neighbor recently lost her only child, a 36 year old son, in a really horrific car crash. She has been having a very difficult time getting through each day. She came over while H & I were playing in the yard with GD. GD pretty much ignores people she doesn’t know. She looked at the neighbor, started to make a soft crying sound, and reached up for the neighbor to pick her up. She put her arms around the neighbor’s neck & buried her head in her shoulder - then she just hugged the neighbor tightly. It was the sweetest thing!
1 Like
How horrible for your neighbor, @kelsmom.
2 Likes
It is like the angels talk to the innocent child! I have seen where a dog will sense a person needs them to show love and they sit close to them. When mom was dying, her little dog laid against her legs in the bed and was very sad.
My D attempted the 3 day potty training where they stay home, and the toddler runs around with no diaper or underpants most of the time. They failed miserably, mostly because GD at 27 months really wasn’t ready, even though the books said she was! GD likes to be in control, and doesn’t like to be told what to do; she needs to think it is her idea.
D and SIL have decided to try again this weekend; GD is now 4 weeks shy of her 3rd birthday. She is absolutely ready this time as she announces when she is peeing. Hopefully she doesn’t get stubborn again, and refuse to use the toilet, and hold it in like last time. The biggest problem is her uptight parents who expect this to go smoothly, and might be upset when it doesn’t. As I have told them both, GD will not graduate high school in diapers; it will happen when she is ready! This child is very smart, which is part of the problem. 
10 Likes
Does that ever sound familiar. 
Our GD is just a little younger than yours and she’s very clear about saying, “Nope!” if we tell her to do something instead of asking or suggesting two alternatives.
1 Like
My very polite GD (3), will, when asked to do something she doesn’t want to do, answer “No thank you.”
“Let’s get ready for bed.”
“No thank you.”
“Time to get dressed for pre-school”
“No thank you.”
Etc.
9 Likes
I think “thank you” is key here.
4 Likes
At many schools and day cares, the teachers use 'No thank you" when correcting behavior, so the kids hear it a lot. Instead of ‘Hey, don’t kick that kid!’ the teacher says “no thank you”. Shouting? No thank you.
I sit between the Pre-K and the K rooms. I hear it all day long.
1 Like
H so wanted to show GD how to do something, but she was determined to figure it out on her own. First she put out her hand to block his. Next she gently took his hand and moved it away from the table, never looking up from what she was doing. When H tried yet again she gently moved his hand, rested her hand on his arm for a moment, then smiled at him and softly patted his cheek before resuming her work. He finally got the message. I was so proud of her. 
16 Likes
4 YO GD asked when Nana is coming again and if grandpa is coming too - I know DD has some plans for me to come in July (but may be sooner if SIL is out of state with job commitments). I told GD as soon as her mom decides for me to come, and if grandpa is available to come he will come too.
I sorted through some books and plan to continue to do some early reading with GD. Almost 3 YO GS will follow along as well, and I will work with him too. GS2 (who turns 1 in August) has lots of activities to watch and do. Looking forward to getting together with them again.
3 Likes
GD turns 3 at the end of this month entertains us regularly. Her new catchphrase is, “That is not on the menu.” It applies to food, or choices she doesn’t want us to have. She also says “That’s not a choice” when give an option. She either is bossing her parents around and mimicking some teachers or her parents!
Love this kid 
15 Likes
Dd is applying to another day care today. This will be her fourth in a year. I hate 2YO GS moving around so much. She has trouble working with some people and getting such low pay. I do agree that this place is better, they have health insurance (dental and vision too), 401k, will pay for her to get her certificate in Early Childhood Development, and pay a little better. A child was biting him and even drawing blood 2 times a day at the other place and they would do nothing. That was her last straw. The other really good thing is that they are only a few blocks from the house vs. almost 40 min away. That way I could help pick him up or drop him off if she has to work late or is sick. Keep your fingers crossed for her. Also GS is home sick today with a stomach bug and small temperature. D had to stay home from work because I have to be in the office for big meetings this afternoon. It did give her a chance to go in for the interview.
5 Likes
This is a major benefit (especially in this time of high gas prices). I hope it works for her (and him).
6 Likes