Passing the Torch

If there was such a thing as a naughtiness torch, I think Vivi just passed it on to Valentina. At almost 3, Vivi seems to now understand that when Mama or Daddy says ‘no’ or ‘don’t do that’ or ‘please keep your fingers out of your cup’ (etc.) that we actually mean it. And she listens…some of the time. Hooray!!! Now it’s Valentina’s turn.

On Tuesday evenings Josh has a class in Cedar Rapids and I’m at home with the girls. Bathing, dressing and getting ready for bed is always interesting when it’s me versus them. We dash from the bathroom to Valentina’s room and shut the door so that no one escapes (i.e. falls down the stairs) and so I can dress them and dry Vivi’s hair. Tonight, Valentina was determined to climb on top of the changing table beside Vivi. I pulled her down for what seemed like the 15th time and said, “Enough, we don't climb on top of the changing table. Next time you’re going in the crib.” Of course, she climbed again and chose to go in the crib. She then progressed with the biggest temper tantrum a little girl her size could muster. Her face was red, she screamed, she cried, she threw herself against the bed and then stood up just to do it all over again. This lasted for maybe 5 minutes while I stood calmly looking away drying Vivi’s hair. Thank goodness for the hum of the hairdryer. Vivi kept saying, “Mama, Tia’s crying. Tia’s sad.” I just said, “Yes, that’s because she didn’t listen to Mama.”

After Vivi’s hair was dry, I picked a somewhat subdued Valentina up, gave her a big hug, and explained that she needed to start listening to mama. Personally, I think kids at this age understand a whole lot more than we give them credit. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of understanding for Valentina.