I'm glad to write this blog tonight after a peaceful and happy day with Daniel. I say this because just a few days ago, we experienced his first ever tantrum and now, we're just wondering when the next one will strike!!! Oh my goodness, I didn't realize the "terrible twos" started at 16 months?! Well, hopefully it was a one off until he gets a bit older, but we got to see for the first time what a tantrum looks like and it completely surprised us!
In his favor, dinner was running late, he was tired (slept over 12 hours that night) and has been getting new molars, but boy, we just never knew Daniel's emotions could get so out of control (uhm... I think he takes after me in this respect - poor boy! :-))! Anyway, what happened is that he wanted to go outside to play with his tricycle but I said he couldn't because we were about to have dinner and bang, the tantrum started: stomping his feet, kicking his legs, crying loudly, the works! We took him upstairs to his room where he loves to be and is usually soothing, but he just stayed "on fours" crying - literally! It all lasted about 15 minutes! I finally was able to pick him up without him kicking me and started to sing "Edelweiss" to him and he calmed down. We then went to have dinner and he just ate calmly, and a lot (he was hungry), as if nothing had happened! This was an interesting experience for us all to say the least!
Anyone reading this who may have some advice on how to handle future tantrums, please let us know! A Peruvian friend recently told me that in Peru, they put a toddler having a tantrum under the shower and they soon learn not to do it anymore! I thought I would pass on this advice in case you wanted to try it out! :-)
On a different note, we have continued to enjoy the summer a lot here, the weather has been just amazing for this time of year! Usually July is unbearable, too hot and too humid, but it's been just perfect: pleasantly hot with little humidity! We have also been missing Vovô Daddy a lot and Daniel kept asking about "Bo-bo" until Saturday - so he remembered him being in the basement for 4 days after he left. I just kept replying: "Remember that he took an airplane all the way back to Brazil?" My answer satisfied his curiosity each time! :-)
Check out the photos below for more of what Daniel has been up to at 16 months!
Daniel having fun at Jonny's Boss' "Crab Party"
Enjoying the pool at a friend's house
Little Mr. Cool!
(Daniel loves wearing his sun glasses - which is a great thing given how bright it can be here!)
We love this photo - hanging out at the pool having a drink is his "cup of tea!"
This is how we often find Daniel when we get back from work!
Maria continues to be a wonderful "second mother"
Daniel loves "running" down the hall before his swim class
He is getting better staying calm during car rides - he loves pointing at trucks, vans and motorcycles in particular!
Happy boy enjoying the outdoors...
Daniel having fun playing with his friend Devesh - he didn't notice us putting on the helmet but we thought he looked so cute in it!
Daniel enjoyed playing with Devesh's sand box
These last photos are of Daniel today, happy playing on the deck...
He loves playing with his cars more and more!
And climbing the deck too!!!
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Oh my goodness, that tantrum must have been quite a show! Just shows what people can be like when they are tired and hungry, even adults! I guess the best thing is to avoid that sort of situation,but if it happens what you did sounds about the right treatment. Thanks for your blog Ana,it really helps us who miss you all. Much love Heather
ReplyDeleteAninha-Jonny,
ReplyDeleteThe pictures and the development stories of our little prince bring us so much joy! He is a very happy and handsome boy! How cute is the "cool Daniel" using glasses!I love those pictures and cannot stop seeing them over and over again!
The tantrum was also a big surprise for us since we see Daniel always with happy face and big smiles. It is difficult for us to think of a Daniel giving you a hard time in a tantrum. But, as Heather said, you-Jonny gave him "the right treatment"! Congratulations to the loving parents of the sweetest boy wonder of our lives! We love you and miss you very much! Please continue doing this beautiful work on the blog to allow us to be closer and closer to Daniel and to love him with all our hearts and minds. Kisses from Vozinha and Vozinho de Portugal
Hello Ana -- I only read blogs once a week on either Saturday or Sunday, so if it seems like I am always posting a comment well after you write, that's why! Holly never did tantrums; with Michael, he has often done them (although not quite like Daniel's -- more like laying on the floor and crying when he doesn't get his way). It sounds like you handled it well. I always immediately pick up Michael even if it's hard and put him in a time out and say, "This is NOT appropriate behavior. You can be upset, but you CANNOT throw a fit." Of course, Daniel is a little young for time outs, but I've been doing this this with Michael ever since he could sit in a chair. I always make it clear to the child that the behavior is NOT acceptable and there are consequences, like having to sit in a chair while you work yourself out of it. Michael almost never does it any more, so there is hope! With Michael now, when he does start to throw a fit, I will often say, "Go sit in the chair until you're done crying, and then you can come back." And he does it! He goes right over to the chair and sits down and comes back when he's calmer. Of course, sometimes if throws a fit and I know it's because he's tired since we were out the night before and he got to bed a little late, I will just say, "Do you need a big hug?" and hold him on my lap. But I try to balance that out with helping the child understand that tantrums aren't acceptable in our family! Every child is different and every parent is different and I'm sure you will figure out what works for Daniel. Also, I work very hard to help my kids avoid being tired or hungry. I have found that when they are well rested and full, they don't throw fits as much! Sometimes we will even turn down an invitation if I know the kids will have to miss their naps or that it will get us home far past their bedtime. Sorry this is so long!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! It's good to see how Daniel is developing into a real little boy - climbing on the deck, etc. - he's not a baby any more!
ReplyDeleteI have two suggestions about the tantrums: normally I think the best thing is to ignore them completely, go and sit in another room, or if you're outdoors just walk away. But with all your video skills, I have another idea: next time he throws a tantrum, get out the camera and film him doing it. He obviously likes to be photographed (the Brazilian side coming out!), so one possibility is that he'll stop screaming in order to pose for the camera! If he doesn't, film as long as you can then afterwards, when he has recovered, show him the film and see what his reaction is - could be interesting! Love to you all - Stephen
Ana Cláudia, e TANTRUM (chilique, acesso de raiva) do nosso queridísimo Daniel! Uma experiência não esperada por todos nós. Ele gosta muito de passear. Como será essa situação no INVERNO? Frio e neve irão obrigar vocês a irem para algum mall (shoopping), wal-mart... Vai dar trabalho mas para amor de mãe tudo é possível.
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