Around The Home
Last Wednesday, Dan and I flew out to Jacksonville, Florida, for Lauren Vriezema’s wedding. This was a trip that we were looking SO forward to because those who know us, know how close we are with the Vriezema family. We have a special bond with each member of their family and Brenda even carried our…
We have our first piece of furniture put together for the nursery! Many have asked about what our nursery looks like so far and to be honest, we do not have it completely set up…yet… Back in April, I decided to paint our spare room a light blue. Little did we know in May, that…
Have you ever had one of those weeks that has completely flown by, but you wonder what you even did? That was this past week for me, but thankfully I have these pictures to go through to realize that we sure had a lot of fun and we sure did plenty of things. Not that…
What a year to be thankful. Thinking about Thanksgivings of the past, I remember intentionally trying to be thankful for the journey – to find joy. To bring and GIVE all of our circumstances back to God. Reflecting back on those seasons of life, I can’t help but BE thankful for them. God taught us…
Hello photo dump! This past week absolutely flew by, which it seems to always happen after getting back from vacation the week before, but also getting prepared for school for Mazy, and I also started a new job at the local Christian school, doing after school care! Lots to learn, lots to do, and lots…
Family pictures are always a bit of a trick with a young one, but there always seems to be a handful that always turn out (typically). On this day, we “hired” (or just asked) my sister to take some pictures for us. It was a beautiful day with pure sun, which I suppose for picture…
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I've found that kids who pull their hair sometimes enjoy my little ponies…they can pull their hair instead 😉
That's a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion. We ate going to try that 🙂
That's a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion. We ate going to try that 🙂
I understand the anxiety and stress Mazy is feeling and how it is playing out with her hair pulling. My little one also has a little anxiety and it comes out in unhealthy ways too. I wish I knew what to do better to help curb the feelings (aside of extra love and kindness). I use a lot of distraction and talking. Although my baby can't fully understand my words, she understands that I am trying to communicate with her and my tone makes it sound like "I hear you, I understand." My husband will explain everything and she listens (doesn't understand but hears him). And that seems to help some. Also, we call any behavior that can cause damage or hurt by a specific name which she knows what that is. When she does anxiety behavior I call it by name, "ohhh no baby, thats an ouchy, don't do that. Ouch, ouch… Here is dolly want to play with her instead?" And if doll doesn't work, then I pull out something more enjoyable such as freeze dried apple snack etc. That also helps for us. Also a lot of reassurance, "oh baby its okay, mama is right here. [your daugthers names] is mama's baby, right?" kisses and hugs. Baby is daddys baby right?" Mama and daddy love baby [insert name here] you don't have to cry, no ouchy… No ouchy to my baby." Thats what I say….
Those are great words! Our most successful method is distraction so we try to reroute when we can! She has responded somewhat to that and it has helped to show her what to do instead, like be gentle with hair.You are a great mama! How is your little one doing?
Shes doing much better. She still has some issues with being away from her regular routine and away from home (which we do not travel really at all and are home for her night time routine of food, bath, bed etc). It creates peace on one level but on another we don't get to do anything at night (outside of home). Also as you mentioned teaching her to be gentle. My husband taught our little one "gentle" I honestly didn't think it would work but she understood what being gentle is. I try (fail more than I want to) but try to praise the behaviors I want from her. Even on her bad days I still try to find things to praise so that she can get encouraged to do right things. I tell her, "yes, good job sweet heart, thats what mama wanted [insert desired behavior]" or if shes breaking down I start praising her for the behavior she is [only kind of doing] — so being patient, waiting for mama etc. That helps sometimes….
I am glad to hear she is doing much better! I bet that brings some relief! That is so true to praise the good behaviors because that teaches them what IS right. It amazes me how they understand a simple word like gentle, but it makes a huge difference! I bet it's hard to not be able to get out – babies sure to strive and thrive on routine! I am fully convinced of that 🙂