Faster Than a Speeding Bullet
A few weeks ago, I blogged about how Bean was entering the terrible 2’s a little early by enacting the Limp Noodle game in our house.
Yeah.
That’s been fun.
But now I think we’re venturing further into the terrible 2’s. I call this latest game, “BOLT!” This is how you play: Whenever your mom or dad asks or tells you to go somewhere, you BOLT! in the other direction. See? Pretty easy, right? Let’s practice.
You and your mom are going for a walk around the neighborhood and when you get back to your house, she says to you, “Okay, Beanie, let’s head back inside.” BOLT! You take off across the neighbor’s yard.
That was fun. Let’s try again.
This time you’re in your living room with a ripe diaper and your dad says, “Hey, Bean Man, let’s go change that diaper, buddy.” BOLT! You take off running and end up hiding in your closet.
Good job! Let’s do one more.
Now, you’re playing with your toys in the living room and your mom AND dad say it’s time to clean up for bedtime. BOLT! You dash into the office and this time you throw yourself on the floor when your parents corner you and pick you up to take you back to the living room. LIMP NOODLE!
See how much fun that game is? It’s a blast.
Although, from the parental unit’s point of view, this game gets old REAL FAST. It’s also hard to know how to respond because at this point, Bean is still laughing and happy when he bolts off. So, at first that made it hard to discipline him. But then we realized that happy or not happy, he can’t bolt off like that for safety reasons. If we laugh at it and chase him when we’re in the house, then he’s just going to think it’s a game when he does it outside next to a street, too. And that’s not good at all.
So, here is how we’re handling it. When Bean bolts, we catch him as quick as we can, but we don’t pick him up. We catch him by the hand and make him stand still and look at us. Then we get down to his level (thank you, Super Nanny…) and say to him, “No, sir. We do NOT run away from Mommy and Daddy,” and then we lead him back over to wherever we wanted him to go in the first place. We try to not make too big of a deal about it because we don’t want to encourage him, so after walking him out to where he is supposed to be, we forgive and forget quickly and find something exciting to do in the CORRECT place. We don’t drag on with the discipline part because then THAT becomes a game for Beaner.
It’s hard because he’s usually giggling when he does it and even when we correct him, but bolting – to me – is a safety thing. And when I think about it like that, it’s easier for me to stop the game while it’s still a game and before it becomes a behavioral problem or, Heaven forbid, a safety concern.
For now, Bean doesn’t seem to phased by the stern talking to and redirection. He just kind of laughs and goes along with us. But I can already see how that happy attitude with the bolt game could turn real quickly.
Gosh, two’s are fun, but I really thought we’d have longer before we had to…enjoy all this fun…
16 Comments
Alaina
I can see how it would be hard not to laugh at him when he’s doing that though…who can’t smile at that adorable face?
mom of two
wait till he bolts while you are holding a newborn that has just fallen asleep… then its even more fun! and at 2 and a half my child is maybe, possibly, dear god i hope, just coming out of the phase she started at 18 months…. its fun!
Jen at Cabin Fever
I bet this gets old. I remember baby sitting kids that did that. OMG….. its such a headache. Nip it in the bud before he is doing it in public, in parking lots, or whenever he doesn’t get instant gratification.
But when its not your kid, it sure is cute 🙂
Cabin Fever in Vermont
MrsJenB
And here I was, thinking my baby sister invented Limp Noodle just to make me the only teenager with a wrenched back (the girl was SOLID). Do you think that kids have this ESP thing where they share this knowledge over the years, or do they spend the 9 months in utero learning these techniques?? I’m a little worried about my future offspring. And my back.
Mindee@ourfrontdoor
You’re smart to nip this one quickly. When Reagan was that age she bolted straight for a four lane road. I had to drop Hayden who was in his infant carrier and go after her. It took about 5 years off of my life!
Donna
Yes this is a favorite two year old game. My daughter’s favorite place to do it would be parking lots, which is tons o’ fun!
Nate's Mom
Hey – maybe he’s getting it out of his system before the New Gal gets here. When she arrives, Bean will be the perfect angel! 🙂
Jenn
We have been going through this with our 18mth old as well. Some wise mom told me a few weeks ago that toddlers take 7 seconds to process requests and since I heard that things have been changing (although I think my daughter’s a little behind and actually takes more like 10seconds!). When I know I want to change a diaper, or some other request I get down at her level and say something like “we need to change your diaper soon, do you understand?” . Then I wait…and wait.. (seriously, try counting to 10…it takes AGES!) then I follow through. And usually I get a lot less fuss!
Rachel
Just wait until he is three… the “terrible twos” were nothing compared to age three for both of my kids (now 13 & 10). Several of my friends have said the same about their kids. Not to scare you, just telling it like it is. =)
Sara M
Totally second the 3’s stage sucks even more than the 2’s. At three, mine is stubborn, independent and has found the joy in lying. Here’s hoping 4’s are when they get better!
Alyssa
Nice thinking bean, would this work for me?
Alyssa do the laundry…Bolt!
Alyssa make dinner…Bolt!
Alyssa go to the post office…limp noodle.
Liss
Reading how you’re handling Bean’s behaviour is really helpful for me – he’s about two months older than my son and I often find that if he isn’t already doing things that Bean does, he will soon. At the moment, he doesn’t run away from us, but he does like to run fast towards roads (he loves cars) and since my first reaction is to say “Stop!” quite urgently, I do and he does. I’m sure it won’t be long before he ignores that, though.
I’m hoping that mine is getting his Terrible Twos out of the way early… Really, really hoping.
all my monkeys
Yes, I know that bold game. So much fun when you[‘re 9 months pregnant, too. I feel your pain. Good response though. I should try that… if it’s not too late for me. (He’s 28 mos, and wanting to be VERY independent.)
Sumer
While I hate to have to be the one to tell you this, the “Terible 2’s” as they are so lovingly called are joyful compared to what emerges in the 3 1/2 to 4 year old stage. I’m hoping the age of 5 flips a switch and my sweet little angel quits trying to drive me absolutely bonkers!
Katie J
My daughter is 16 months and has started doing the exact thing… Bolt & Limp Noodle. And she’s happy and giggly the whole time so I know how you feel. How can you ‘discipline’ when they’re so happy?
Megan @ Red Dirt and Crazy
Q-Tip does the same thing!!! I call it “running for the hills”!! I don’t know why I call it that. It’s the craziest thing and it drives me CRAZY! We do basically the same thing you do and she doesn’t do it as much thankfully. It’s so annoying though!!
Megan