This weekend John and I played a rousing and exhausting game of Tag-Team Parenting. It went something like this: G is playing happily, but under the surface, not unlike an iceberg, there is lurking a screaming, whiny, over-tired almost 18 month-old. Soon, the calm breaks, the storm rolls in. Whoever had been entertaining her most recently tries to hold down the thunder to a dull rumble utilizing any means possible: singing, tickling, Blue's Clues...whatever works. When that fails (as it inevitably does) the tag happens. "I can't take her screaming at me anymore, you make it better. Thanks."
Why wouldn't she nap this weekend? I tried valiantly both days. She caught about 20 mins in the car on Sunday. N-O-T-E-N-O-U-G-H! To top it off, we were at a friend's BBQ on Sunday, with other peoples' family, people who had never met G before. She's cute. But that only gets her so far. I'm afraid she didn't make a very accurate impression of herself. (Sorry Colleen!)
Thank God I have someone to hand her off to when I just need a break! What do you do when all your excellent parenting skills fail at the mercy of an exhausted toddler?
3 comments:
We're the same as you - we do the hand off when we're at the end of our ropes. However, there are some fail-safes that seem to help: reading, going outside/looking out the window, or just walking around talking to her. If you talk to Madeline randomly for long enough, she'll generally calm down. It's been working since she was tiny. :)
The overtired though... that is a terrible beast!
Kami, everyone (and I do mean everyone) loved your daughter. She is beautiful. Sometimes kids cry *gasp*. No worries. I'm just glad that you and John and Miss Giuliana made it. Plus, she only fussed for a bit. It's totally fine. I love the chalk drawings too!
I could never be a single parent. We tag team too, it's the only way. Single parents are hero's in my book.
I hope G is feeling a bit better now, they all go through those periods...maybe, and I shouldn't eve say it out loud, she is weaning herself off her nap. I know, I know, that's like blasphemy! Kamden was barely two when he quit napping. Jack napped till he was 3.5 years. You just never know.
Hopefully it was just a blip and she'll be back into her routine now :)
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