Well, I think they call it terrible twos because that is around the age where they understand A LOT more than we might give them credit for. And they start testing their boundaries and pushing our buttons. This is definitely a good time to start enforcing some kind of discipline tactic. I dont know what your beliefs are, but in my personal experience spanking doesnt really help. I think if Time Outs are used consistently and properly, they will be the most effective for her, and you definitely want to get her under control before the baby is born, because it will be VERY hard to deal with an unruly 2yr old and two babies.
And trust me, Im not giving advice because Im perfect. Im actually paying for NOT doing what Im advising you to do. I have four children who are 5,4 and 3yr twins. Both of my girls were very needy and whiny and I babied/spoiled them. Ive tried TO's and I never stuck to it, so they took me for a joke. Now I have a zoo at home, and I am going crazy trying to correct behavior that I could have fixed when they were much younger. PLEASE, save yourself. She has to have boundaries and she needs to learn that if mommy says no, it means no. Even if she throws a fit, she will not be able to do what mommy said 'no' to. You might even want to tell her that if she throws a fit, she will get a time out. I know its probably hard being pregnant and taking care of the baby, but it will be harder to do, once the baby is born and you have a one year old copying her big sister. Ive heard that the book 1,2,3 Magic is a good advise book on how to enforce time outs.
Good luck. You can send me a message if you want. |
