I realized today that Qin needs more intellectual stimulation. I think he’s starting to get bored of playing board games and playing w toys [not that he's necessarily bored WITH his toys, but they just don't get him as involved anymore]. He’s cleaned out the house of mazes and connect-the-dots in just two days, and we had easily six or more coloring books. Unfortunately, he doesn’t want the challenge of working on writing his letters or numbers, or actually learning how to read. We’ve played some computer games, which is good and varied and relatively educational, but I hate sitting him in front of the screen for so much time. There must be other options, but cost is prohibitive. Any suggestions?
One hot mess
July 11, 2010 • FAMILY, LIFE • confessions, emo wrestling, questions
So my preschooler had his first *major* tantrum today. I suppose that it’s quite amazing that it has taken this long [which is also not to say that we have not had meltdowns in the past - we've just reached a new level this time] – but the nuances of what to do about this one have left me rather perplexed.
Have you ever had a time when you don’t get your way so you’re mad, and at the same time you KNOW that you’re supposed to “be good” so you feel conflicted and a little bit guilty, and no one is listening to you so you feel lonely, but that’s bc you don’t know how to explain what you’re feeling so you feel confused and frustrated? *I* don’t even know how to cope well when I feel like that. So my question is: how then do you teach a 4yo who can’t even recognize most, if any, of these complex emotions, to deal with the situation when you can’t even handle it yourself?