I have a 22 month old DD and a 3 month old DD. We got to the library once a week. DD1 loves it. She gets excited when I say that's where we're going. She enjoys our time there. DD2 comes along as well, usually in a sling. We do the two-year-old story time and play with the toys they have there (train table, doll house, etc). We leave when she starts getting bored and cranky. I always have books on hold for me at the front desk (we never have to look for books for me, I always request them online), so we have to wait in line to check them out. This is where my problem starts.
While waiting in line, she doesn't want to leave--or at the very least, if we are going to leave, she doesn't want to wait in line before doing so. She tries to run away (and its a big library so letting her wander around isn't an option). She won't hold my hand (which I require if she refuses to stay beside me), so I end up with her dangling from my arm (and it seems like it would hurt to be held by the wrist
) I try to hold her, but I have the baby in the sling so A) its hard to pick her up without bumping the baby or risking her falling out somehow. and B) if DD1 tries to hit/kick/etc then DD2 is right in harms way. She screams. Today she started pinching me.
Gentle reminders don't work. Preparing her for whats involved in standing in line doesn't work. I won't hit her and I prefer not to ever yell (which she normally just laughs at anyway, when I do occasionally loose my cool). I've tried rewards (example: 'if you wait in line with mommy and hold my hand, then we'll get an ice cream on the way home') even though I hate to resort to things like this. I've tried leaving earlier (same result). I can't bring a snack to the library in order to avoid an empty belly making her cranky because they don't allow food, and she could care less if there is a snack waiting in the car. I dislike bringing the stroller because I really don't want to force her into it (and subject all of the library to her screaming) and because it's a pain to deal with when we're not using it (not to mention, I like that she likes to be independent; I like that she wants to walk up the sidewalk, etc.)
I'm not sure how to avoid this and I need to pick up the books that I need (and don't have another time that I could go without her). She truly does enjoy every other part of the visit, so I don't want to cut it out completely.
I know this post is scattered, so if you need more info, ask away. And give me all your great ideas!
While waiting in line, she doesn't want to leave--or at the very least, if we are going to leave, she doesn't want to wait in line before doing so. She tries to run away (and its a big library so letting her wander around isn't an option). She won't hold my hand (which I require if she refuses to stay beside me), so I end up with her dangling from my arm (and it seems like it would hurt to be held by the wrist
) I try to hold her, but I have the baby in the sling so A) its hard to pick her up without bumping the baby or risking her falling out somehow. and B) if DD1 tries to hit/kick/etc then DD2 is right in harms way. She screams. Today she started pinching me.Gentle reminders don't work. Preparing her for whats involved in standing in line doesn't work. I won't hit her and I prefer not to ever yell (which she normally just laughs at anyway, when I do occasionally loose my cool). I've tried rewards (example: 'if you wait in line with mommy and hold my hand, then we'll get an ice cream on the way home') even though I hate to resort to things like this. I've tried leaving earlier (same result). I can't bring a snack to the library in order to avoid an empty belly making her cranky because they don't allow food, and she could care less if there is a snack waiting in the car. I dislike bringing the stroller because I really don't want to force her into it (and subject all of the library to her screaming) and because it's a pain to deal with when we're not using it (not to mention, I like that she likes to be independent; I like that she wants to walk up the sidewalk, etc.)
I'm not sure how to avoid this and I need to pick up the books that I need (and don't have another time that I could go without her). She truly does enjoy every other part of the visit, so I don't want to cut it out completely.
I know this post is scattered, so if you need more info, ask away. And give me all your great ideas!
