Parenting--a full contact sport???

When I wake up to the lovely sound of my children talking each other, I wonder if I need to put on pads. I don't mean the feminine hygiene kind, I the football kind; especially a helmet. Keep in mind that our children are sweet and loving, but they get a little too excited sometimes. Even their kisses are a full contact sport. When they lean in to give you a kiss you better be prepared for a sore nose.

In the last two months I have been repeatedly headbutted, pinched, bit, scratched and slapped. I know that the headbutts, scratches and slaps are by accident, but the pinching and biting are not. I have had a mini black eye, bloodied, and bruised! Really!?! I never thought I would have to worry when my children attack (even if it is on accident). That is one bit of parenting advice everyone left out (and believe me we received A LOT of unsolicited parenting advice when we got the boys).

We are nearing the "terrible two's" and Asher and Cache's desire for independence and autonomy is showing! No, my do it. No mommy, my do it. No. I hear that several times a day. ---On a side note: their language has taken off since they started walking. We say uh-oh, hi, nana (banana), doggie, no, Mommy, Daddy, my do it, go over there, Harwee (Harley) and lots of other things I can't remember and sometimes can't make out.

We are using the Parenting with Love and Logic method. It fits well with our parenting philosophy that children need to learn from their mistakes to make good decisions in the future. It is teaching us how to parent without so much frustration and replacing anger with empathy. The empathy part is hard for me. It comes out sometimes as sarcasm. i.e. I am sooooooo sad for you (with an eye roll).

So, Cache has been spending time in time out for biting. He bites when he gets upset. Believe it or not, he really does understand what time out means! Asher spends time in time out for throwing fits. He is a master performer. He does it with such drama.

Well, we are in full transition. The first couple of weeks have been a little rough but we are showing a very positive change. Instead of grunting and screaming at meal time, they are using their words and signing to me what they want.

Baby steps, right?