Posted by Angela on April 08, 1999 at 03:20:59:
In Reply to: How do you difuse a statement as harsh as, "I HATE YOU!" spoken in anger?......and other questions! posted by DebbraB on April 08, 1999 at 01:33:43:
Dear Debbra:
Being a teenager is hard. Being a mom is hard. Being a two-yr.-old is hard, too!!! I don't think Nana is old enough to be traumatized by the concept (or the word) of "hate." What she is probably reacting to is the tone of voice in which it was spoken. Caroline, my 2.5 yr. old is also very sensitive to being spoken to sternly. But, sometimes, it is necessary. Lately, I've been trying to dole out lots of positive words - that seems to make her react less emotionally when I speak to her sternly. But then again, I find her to be far more emotional than my boys! It's also tough to put a stop on the use of those not-so-nice words (hate, stupid, etc.) when you have older children...Yesterday at Colin's Synagis immun., Caroline called the nurse a "nerd" (not as in mispronouncing "nurse") and told the doctor (Chief of Immunology) who was merely being nice and saying hello - to "die, sucker..." Oh my gosh, I wanted to disappear!
The only one of my bunch to adapt to the time change is my little guy - the others are like bears!
Good luck to you,
Angela -Mom to Gregory, age 7(34.5 weeker who is responsible for the not-so-nice words) Caroline, 2.5 (36.6 wks, who repeats everything) and Colin, 14 mos (25.0 wks, who is taking notes)