As of today, I want to build a shrine to Larry Cohen and Playful Parenting. I knew that it worked, I knew it was great, but yesterday it really worked to deflect a tantrum and helped lead to an almost bump-free day with the kids.
We were in Target, the site of about 75% of my 3yo DD's meltdowns. I don't know what it is about Target, but she usually throws a fit about halfway through our trips there. Unfortunately, sometimes I can't avoid going there with her (and now also with DS, 15 months).
So she's about to melt down because I won't let her get off the double-seater cart and "walk." ("Walk" usually means running around and then disappearing and scaring me to death and then a big dispute.) I was getting mad. Stern was not working (surprise, surprise). I then thought of Larry Cohen (yay me for remembering this in the moment instead of an hour later and berating myself).
I started making goofy faces at her. She stared at me like I'd gone insane. Then I hugged her. Then I told her that the tickle monster (i.e. me--a favorite bedtime game) was coming. She decided that she wanted the tickle monster to be someone else--i.e. not me--so we could chase him. So I said, "Okay, better get back on the cart so we can chase him faster." She complied instantly and we "chased the tickle monster" throughout Target as I also picked up our stuff. They were having some sort of problem with a beeping back door alarm, so I decided that was the sound of the tickle monster as we pursued him.
Anyway, what would have been a standard classic in-store meltdown turned into a boatload of fun for all three of us. We all got what we wanted--nobody had to win or lose. I got my shopping done and we all came home in great moods.
I think I need to tattoo "What would Larry Cohen do?" on the back of my hand or something so I never forget to engage that way in any deteriorating situation.
We were in Target, the site of about 75% of my 3yo DD's meltdowns. I don't know what it is about Target, but she usually throws a fit about halfway through our trips there. Unfortunately, sometimes I can't avoid going there with her (and now also with DS, 15 months).
So she's about to melt down because I won't let her get off the double-seater cart and "walk." ("Walk" usually means running around and then disappearing and scaring me to death and then a big dispute.) I was getting mad. Stern was not working (surprise, surprise). I then thought of Larry Cohen (yay me for remembering this in the moment instead of an hour later and berating myself).
I started making goofy faces at her. She stared at me like I'd gone insane. Then I hugged her. Then I told her that the tickle monster (i.e. me--a favorite bedtime game) was coming. She decided that she wanted the tickle monster to be someone else--i.e. not me--so we could chase him. So I said, "Okay, better get back on the cart so we can chase him faster." She complied instantly and we "chased the tickle monster" throughout Target as I also picked up our stuff. They were having some sort of problem with a beeping back door alarm, so I decided that was the sound of the tickle monster as we pursued him.
Anyway, what would have been a standard classic in-store meltdown turned into a boatload of fun for all three of us. We all got what we wanted--nobody had to win or lose. I got my shopping done and we all came home in great moods.
I think I need to tattoo "What would Larry Cohen do?" on the back of my hand or something so I never forget to engage that way in any deteriorating situation.
Good job momma!
: That is great!
God, if I'd only thought of Cohen Friday!
: Larry Cohen! The times I've been able to remember to use his techniques I have always been successful. It's hard to remember in the heat of the moment... I think I need that tatoo, too... WWLCD.
