A few off days wont make me change my mind!

Monday just past was another day that was difficult regarding Lillie. When out shopping all was well. When unpacking the shopping all was well. When making a home made fisherman's pie all was well. Asking Lillie to move her stool away from the hot cooker while I washed up a few pots was a case of Lillie having a full on tantrum that took an hour to cease! As a parent of 17 years who has been lucky to have not experienced many tantrums and especially none as severe as this one I was at a loss as what to do. I managed to get Lillie upto her bedroom as I thought it would do us both good to be apart so as give each other the time to calm down.

Once I had gathered my thoughts I telephoned Lillie's Dad for some support. We had a long discussion on what had happened and how Lillie's behaviour was becoming a concern to me. I am aware that this type of behaviour doesnt happen at the weekend when Lillie is at her Dads or Grandparents or indeed anywhere else, so am unable to provide any answers as to why it sometimes happens while she is with me! I started to question myself - am I a bad parent? Why dont I know what to do? I have tried many ways - time out zone, ignoring bad behaviour, a reward chart, stopping treats, shouting, having 'talks', the list is endless!! Joe later on into the conversation asked me whether I wanted to send her to school... Hell no! That would totally go against my beliefs to do that! I am committed to Home Education and will continue to find ways to solve any problems Lillie & I have - I have done in the past with both my children and will do so many many more times in the future.

Anyway, I thought I would try the reward chart idea again - it was successful with potty training and unsuccessful regarding Lillie's behaviour the one time I used it in the past. Its now Thursday and since yesterday there has been an improvement in Lillie's behaviour. I have always verbally praised my children when they do well in anything including good behaviour, but with Lillie seeing her little red & gold stars filling up her chart is just what she needs presently. Though I am still praising her verbally - some old habits are hard to break and its one I like anyway!