At first I felt terrible (and I still do, but in a different way) and embarrassed and all of those things. I felt like it was a reflection on me in some way. You know, all those typical mommy feelings. I was so worried about the other child involved and their parents. All of that stuff. But then I started thinking that I don't want to feel some of those things. Of course I want to be concerned and worried about the other party involved, but I don't want to think any less of myself or my child because she bit someone. I'm not defined as a good or bad mommy because of what my little girl did. But I am defined (in some way) by how I handle the situation and how we proceed in the future. I want all of this to be a learning experience for me, Trav and Morgan Kate. I want Travis and I to remember that MK is watching and attempting to imitate anything we do, including biting. Sometimes when we are playing or wrestling with her, we nibble on her arm or tummy. Maybe not such a good thing to do at this particular age. We also need to talk with MK about biting and how it's not nice or the right thing to do and that you don't do those types of things to your friends. And when you do, you have to be punished. (We had this very conversation with her tonight.) As parents I don't think we should necessarily be defined by what our children do, but rather, how we handle and react to what our children do. I hope and pray I am handling all of this the right way.
And just for the record, I know many children go through this type of thing. Many children bite and bite and bite again. I'm sure Morgan Kate will outgrow all of this, but for the time being, I want her to know it's not okay.
And that's how I feel at this very moment when dealing with a two year old. I'll get back with you in about ten years or so. Ha!
4 comments:
I happen to think you are handling this exactly the right way or atleast that's how I intend to handle it should Nolan experience the same thing. Kids/Babies have to know (and learn from their parents) that biting is not nice. You are a great Mom and your instinct is dead on in my opinion! Give my precious Mk sugar from her Aunt Rae ;)
Aw! We're going through the SAME thing right now...I think every child in her class is biting each other...we get bitten and then the next day we're the biter...we've been trying to hard to work with her and I caught myself nibbling on her the other day so I had the same revelations you did...it's a tough PATCH but I am looking forward to us growing out of it! Good luck!!
I am thinking the way you do :) I hope it's not a reflection of me when Annie Parker hits herself when I tell her "no." YIKES! I am working on stopping this and hope it stops soon. If it continues, then it's a reflection on me. DOUBLE YIKES! We will get through this together. Love y'all!
Jessa
Will has also bitten a friend at school....it was MICAH!! He has only done it once though, and he has been been the victim once also- because he was taking food from another child's plate! hahaha Guess it's part of growing up...
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