For anyone who's looking for an entrepreneurial opportunity (I have done searches and searches and can't seem to find anything), I think I have a goldmine idea for you. I am not necessarily looking for a nanny. Maybe it's in my future anyway, maybe not. What I'm looking for is some kind of Supernanny Jo-franchisee. It would be nice if there was a service where someone with nanny experience, some sort of track record and a background with sources, could visit my house and see my 2-year-old in full theater while I'm also trying to care for my infant. What am I doing wrong? What is some real advice, or a disciplinary technique? I don't need another mom giving me condescending throw-away ideas ("Have you tried letting him play with Play-Doh?" ... "Just ignore him and don't give him the attention he wants" ...) Uh - yeah, tried that and it ain't working. Any other pearls of wisdom?
What I need is someone who can be here for a day or two to observe, give me sound advice for action, and coach me through the process.
Does this person or service exist in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex?
I don't know, but sign me up! I'd like to be able to call on a moment's notice too, because inevitably, I'd schedule a visit on a day that both my kids are just angels.
Hello - I'm sorry that I don't have an answer to your actual question, but I wanted you to know that I disagree with the poster who suggested that there is something wrong with asking for help from a parenting expert. I think it's great that you want to use the resources available to you to help find appropriate parenting solutions. Best of luck -
Oh! I feel for you! Having a 2-year-old and an infant is extremely difficult! I hope you find someone who can help you. You may just have to "tough it out". It will go by so fast and before you know it, they'll be playing together. When mine were those ages I thought I was going to go crazy! My todler was so mean to the baby. The dvd player was my friend.
Most likely you are not doing anything wrong. It's hard!
Look up post partum doulas!! I have a friend that has one. She helps with adjustment after a new baby, and this one had 8 kids of her own, so she knows what she is talking about!
I don't have anyone but I wish I did, it was rough and my boys are 3.5 years apart. I do have a book I liked but I read it when there was only one kiddo around - I actually had time to read then ;) It's called Positive Discipline the First Three Years. I checked it out from the library first then ended up buying it at Half Price Books. It helped me more than anything in realizing that it's all normal and I was expecting too much from my almost 3 year old. But hey I'm all for a parenting coach too!
There's an ad in DallasChild magazine for Mary Ann Lowry - she's an At Home Parenting Coach. Free phone consultation: ###-###-####
or e-mail: ____@____.com
If you can't find the exact service you describe maybe there is a parenting class in your area. I worked with a counseling program that came into the home but that program was only for families referred by child protective services. There are lots of good parenting books but you are right, it is much easier with hands on support and guidance. You may be able to find a counselor with family counseling experience.
Partly it is just exhausting to have 2 kids so young at once. Mine are just shy of 3 years apart and the first year was hard. It is a lot better now that the youngest is almost 2, except that they can run in opposite directions. What really helped was my older one going to preschool. He goes to pre-k in the morning and the little one gets my attention. The little one naps in the afternoon and my older one gets some attention. Giving the older child some one on one attention (even 10 minutes) does help but some days it is just hard to juggle things so you can do that. Good luck.
You might try looking at behavior therapists. I don't know if they do home visits, but some might!
You should try contacting Minette Riorden. She's a great parenting coach in the Dallas area.
Gosh it was hard re-finding this post...This site has grown so much...
So, on one hand - GREAT business idea. I hope some entrepreneurial moms will join forces and make this a reality. I bet the government and CPS organizations would be on board with this concept.
But for you, before it's a reality..I know that you are exhausted and just plain overwhelmed with a defiant 2 yr. old running amuck while nursing a baby.
So, you need to plan ahead. What is your toddlers absolute favorite toy/video/show? Save that special DVD or toy for when you are nursing only. Give it to him before you sit down, take it away when you are done. Give him lots of praise for being a sweet and helpful boy while you sit with the baby. Keep a basket of soft toys nearby that are just for him and his special toys that he can have to play and give to the baby. Then ask for them one by one while you're with the infant. He's old enough to think he's helping by bringing those special toys. Have him help fill the basket. Keep it down at his level so he can help entertain the baby too.
If these don't seem to help, then there are more drastic approaches. If he's truly being unsafe, then don't feel bad about tethering him to the sofa next to you, or getting a playpen to keep him safe. IMHO, if it gets out of hand, I am a big supporter of a quick, swift swat on the tush to get their attention and to let them know you mean business. Mom is busy with the baby and he must be a good boy. 2 yrs old cannot be reasoned with quite yet. But they do understand when Mommy is not happy. I'll probably get flaming responses over that suggestion.
But you also need to reassure yourself that you know you can handle it. You can tame your own child.
I totally agree! I wish there was something like that available to us normal moms out there.
I like the Mom Coach name idea to. :)
