Last weekend when I was shopping with my Mother in Law, we came across a sign that said, "Kindness Matters". We talk about being kind almost daily with the kids and always point out when others are being kind and what kind behavior is. It matters. But lately, or who I am I kidding, the past couple of months, Max hasn't always been kind. Sometimes I'm torn if he is being a typical three year old boy, or being mean.
Justin and I usually talk about how sweet our little buddy is, but all it takes is five minutes on the playground for that to change. The last thing I want is for my kid to be labeled a bully. Typically I think of a bully as a big guy going around punching other kids and calling names. But what is a three year old bully? Max is by far the biggest of his peers. I have seen him walk by a peer/friend and just push them. I have also seen him being provoked and pushing back out of defense. Whatever the case may be, I try to handle the situation the best I know how. Sometimes he gets a warning, other times, he is immediately taken out of the situation and put in time out, or in car to go home.
The other day we had about six of their friends over for a play date. He was definitely NOT having a good behavior day. He was put in timeout two times and the last time I took him to his room and he was not allowed out until his friends left (about 10 minutes). It made me embarrassed and sad.
Last night I had trouble sleeping bc i kept thinking about my sweet boy that hasn't been so sweet.
We had Gary the Elf, bring them chore/behavior charts one morning. It hasn't helped but I think I need to change his goals to be more obtainable? IDK. I don't know what else to do besides talk to him about being kind to all his friends, talk about feelings, and punish when the bad behavior happens. UGH. This parenting thing is hard!
