I have to take a time out and sing the theme song to “Give me a Break.” It was a sitcom that ran in the 80’s. For some reason it helps me smile and take a breath before trying to solve everyone’s troubles. What do you do to get through those freak-outs?
I force myself to take a slow deep breath and relax my shoulders. Then I say something mock-sympathetic to them, like "I knooowwww -- it's all soooo awful -- life as we know it is ending..." etc. It helps me remember that it just sounds bad, but it really isn't. I like the "Gimme a Break" idea though!
I just stop whatever I am doing and I sit on the floor. They usually all come over and lay on me. They usually mello out. Cari
I throw them in the jogging stroller and go for a walk. Usually when we get to this point it's because they are BORED. My boys love to be outdoors, so they are always glad for a walk around the neighborhood. 'Gimme A Break' is funny, but I'm a Seinfeld girl, so I say "Serenity Now" (a Frank Costanza quote).
In the last month or two (since we got big kid beds), we have just been sending the kids to their rooms to mellow out. Sometimes, they get SOOOO worked up and it is best to just remove them from the situation so that they can calm down. It isn't really a time out, I just tell them "You can come out when you calm down." And they do (actually I have to go get them usually). Works almost every time!
I pop in a video. I have to scream over their wails, but usually when they hear, "who wants to watch a movie" they shut up and run for the tv, as they don't get to watch much. I know, I'm reinforcing the behaviour, but I'm not in the midst of screaming anymore!
QUOTE(SweetpeaG @ Jul 2 2007, 11:23 PM) [snapback]315583[/snapback] 'Gimme A Break' is funny, but I'm a Seinfeld girl, so I say "Serenity Now" (a Frank Costanza quote). I do the "Serenity Now" also! Its even a joke between my DH and I. If I'm having a trying day with them, I'll email him with "Serenity Now" as the subject line! I also just walk away from them (into the next room or something) so they know they're not getting their way. They usually quiet down after a few minutes and come join me.
Assuming they're wailing because they're upset/annoyed and not hungry, I usually start making really weird silly noises, louder than they are wailing, accompanied by weird faces. That usually surprises them into being quiet for a second and then they get hugs, distracting toys, etc. The neighbors must think I'm nuts.
I just walk away from the situation. Sometimes I just use it as a potty break for myself. I also do alot of deep breathing.
I'm also a bathroom girl. Sometimes I just go in there and sigh. Trying to distract them seems to get them overstimulated, so sometimes I just ignore it, or change the venue (go outside, get in the car, take a walk, go to another room).
QUOTE(K*D*B @ Jul 3 2007, 12:13 AM) [snapback]315571[/snapback] I just stop whatever I am doing and I sit on the floor. They usually all come over and lay on me. They usually mello out. I do the same thing. It works so good, they chill right out.
My girls are 4 now so this doesn't happen often, but when Jamie is having a bad spell, I just say "Don't smile Jamie...oh, stop smiling...NO SMILING...". For some reason this works every time.
We have this Tigger toy that stands upright and when you push his hand he jumps up and down singing the tigger song. No matter how upset they are, my girls smile and run over to him and try to bounce along with him.
Usually Sesame Street will do the trick, or opening the cabinet with the pans in it, they love that. If it's really bad though and I'm frustrated at the same time I will sometimes go outside by myself to clear my head and think how to best resolve the situation.
