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Stages of Rudy/Ideas

We are in a fun stage (they have all been fun!) but it is more fun in the reality of mama letting Rudy decide what our plans are for the day.

I think in traditional parenting, if the mama has something to do, she just makes the child do it to (with fighting, battles, kicking, possibly screaming and such - it is THEIR agenda!)

BUT with Attachment Parenting, it is different and maybe it has nothing to do with AP, other than I want to nurture him and listen to HIS needs/wants.

So today for example, we had a toddler time we were going to go to. Rudy has been off kilter the last few days and today he was off still. I had invited a few friends to join us and so felt as if I NEEDED to be there (got a call from a friend 1/2 hour before reassuring her that we would be there as they weren't feeling up to par either but her son wanted to go since we would be there). Rudy let me change his diaper while watching TV, but didn't want his shoes on. It is raining buckets outside, although he didn't need his shoes for the car ride OR the gym time). Then he didn't want his coat. Once again, raining buckets...but off we went with coat in mamas hand and not on. We had to drop off K her lunch and Rudy was crying to not get to hug her. So, I took him out and we went in and hugged her as he laid his head on her shoulder and snuggled in. I am getting a feeling that he isn't feeling top notch (and one of his eyes has been watering for 2 days now) and he has been teething and waking earlier than he had been.

So in listening to his needs/wants (which I have been doing all along -- it is just now he has a voice/opinion!) he may not want to do some of these activities, up until the last minute. So, how do I not hurt others feelings IF we don't come because well, Rudy just doesn't want to and Mama isn't going to make him. (There obviously will be times that things need to get done, but even with those they can be planned way ahead/other options -- appointments, etc.)

We do have a music class we are in 1x a week. We will make sure the day before is a total down day so the car ride/class is extra fun.

Any thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

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Inspiring Parents

Watching other parents has always inspired me. I tend to learn a lot from hearing how others interact, what they say, how they deal with a situation, etc. In the past few days, I've really run into a few parents that I realize REALLY inspire me and if I could just hang out with them more, I think I'd be a better parent because of it! :o)

I'm not one to read books about parenting (although sometimes do dig a book out - like last night was reading Naomi Aldort Raising our Children, Raising Ourselves) but that is a rare occasion.

I'm not worried about the way we are parenting Rudy in any aspect, just hope that the words I use, the terms I use, the way I state things - doesn't put him down in any way, but helps him.

I really struggle with not "praising". We try not to say "Good Job" and instead might say "That was FAST running!" I tend to tell him he is CUTE ... A LOT! What else can I say? He IS freakin' adorable and charming....

This really is just rambling.....and I hear Rudy so gotta run.

FEEL FREE TO COMMENT!!

Stage of Rudy

I've been contemplating, examining, and role playing in my head a lot lately with how to deal with, react to what Rudy does sometimes (lately it has been maybe 1-2x a day). Here was the situation this morning:

(preface to say we were awake at 4:30am - normally 7:30)

Mama was sitting on the floor and Rudy came behind me and peeks around me as Mama says "Where's Rudy" (a game we often play) Rudy then pulls Mama's hair and I gently pull him closer to me and say "Hair is not for pulling, that hurts mama" and then he proceeds to hit, kick and then he will try to bite everything in the near vicinity.

I've tried to think if I need to hold him closer (so he feels safe?) or let him have space and get the emotions out? This mornings situation I think could have been because he was tired (and) am going to try to really pay attention now to the other times he does this now and see if it is when he is tired.

So, Professional AP parents - what would you do? :)