We’re getting so much advice and reading so much about parenting that I could barely remember where we heard this. Finally it came to me; Discovery Academy’s “Positive Discipline”. The guide mentioned it at the end of the evening. Prepare your child. Tell them what is coming when possible. And that’s what we did.
But before I get to that let me recap the weekend. Saturday was grocery shopping, Kohls shopping ($4 shirt baby!!), and Bed Bath and Beyond shopping for dog covers. Not to cover the dogs, to cover the seats in our old/my new car. That’s right, the Corolla is out of the shop! It runs great and the check engine light is not on…yet. Now time to sell old faithful, the Tacoma.
This morning I spent an hour putting in the car seat. Two things came to mind. First, Steven Levitt of “Freakonomics” fame gave a TED talk on car seats.
If you can’t see the video, click here.
If you’ve got 20 minutes, take a gander. If you’ve got an hour, read the comments.
Secondly, a segment from one of the best comedies on TV right now, Raising Hope.
Frustration aside we made it to the park and went on our first walk with the dogs in a month.
This evening we were at Michael’s getting finger paints for Penelope. Jenn was in the bathroom changing Penelope’s diaper. I remembered to do something Jenn had asked me to do earlier in the day, and the previous day, and the day before that. Call Bill Morrell and ask if he can cut Penelope’s hair! Bill’s a barber and has cut my hair for years. I knew he cut his own granddaughter’s hair so figured I would ask. What I didn’t expect was for him to say we could come by tonight.
We arrived back home. Jenn ran inside while Penelope and I waited in the car. When Jenn came back out we told Penelope “We’re going to the Morrell’s house. Bill is going to cut your hair” – and we each made snipping movements with our fingers, pretending to give ourselves the bangs she would have shortly. We repeated this once more, said OK, and took off.
When we arrived at the Morrell’s Penelope went into shy mode. I knelt to take off my shoes and Penelope backed into me, a human shield to the unfamiliar surroundings and new people. She looked around, inquisitive. Along with Bill and Dee, Paula, Jasmin’s mother, and Mike and Jasmin’s daughter Jubilee were present. Jubilee came over and introduced herself. Great manners, exactly what we’re hoping to instill in our daughter!
After a moment we told Penelope again, “Remember, it’s time to get your hair cut like we talked about”. Bill asked whose lap she wanted to sit in. At that moment I knew why we were not trying this our selves. I don’t know if Jenn would have thought of it, but I know I wouldn’t have. We asked Penelope who’s lap she wanted to sit in. She chose me. We sat on the chair, Penelope and I facing forward. While everyone was “ooh”ing and “aww”ing at how adorable Penelope looked I was staring at the back of her head. I’m glad I could be a comfort to her but I sure wanted to see what was going on. Bill made a few snips. Done. Not 5 minutes and Penelope looked like a different girl. She turned around and I got a glimpse of her. It made my heart melt for a moment. I looked in Jenn’s eyes and knew she was felt the same.
