Perfect Parents Can’t Exist
I can’t exactly remember what preconceptions I had about parenting. I suspect I thought that “good” parents doted on their kids, always providing them with something interesting and ensuring they were content and learning something. Sure, I knew that was practically impossible, but I’m a perfectionist so I can expect such behaviour of myself and others. Anyway, now that I see how I sometimes try to ignore Shula :o, I can admit it’s impossible to meet my previous expectations.
How do you ignore a ~9 month old\*? Distractions! The goal is to keep the kid occupied so they don’t cry or scream. Such noise is simply annoying and no one is happy.
- The ‘A’ number-1 tactic is to let the child play with a dangerous object. I’m not suggesting a loaded revolver, but the cat toy with the choking-hazard bell falls into this category. Warning: Keep an eye on the kid at all times while you write your blog entry.
- A close runner up is to give your baby an object that isn’t dangerous but an inconvenience to you. Examples include your cell phone (excessive drool will affect the phone), computer mouse and keyboard, and wallet.
- Let her play with the cat. Of course, depending on the cat’s disposition this may count as a dangerous object.
- Don’t underestimate the attraction of everyday, seemingly uneducational “toys” like a pile of to-be-recycled paper. There are hours of potential entertainment!
In general, it helps to play music at the same time (Raffi is the current fav as is Trio’s Da Da Da I Don’t Love You You Don’t Love Me Aha Aha Aha — go figure). As I figure out new distractions, I’ll add new gems to the blog.
\* If you have to ask “Why?” then you do not have kids yet.
February 7th, 2005 at 1:11 pm
Fortunately for me, Chloe is at an age where all sorts of things can be distractions. I can’t remember when that happened. Sending her on treasure hunts is good- “Where’s your blankie?” “Where’s your milk cup?” “Where’s dolly?” Sometimes it backfires, with a slightly anxious child returning to your knee saying wistfully “blankie!” “milk!” or “dolly!” because the item was a little hard to find (like when it’s on a different floor).
Something more age-appropriate for Shula might be a full box of kleenex or a squeezable ketchup bottle with an open top.