Accidental Troublemaker

Since Chipmunk has been born, Bear has been getting into trouble...a lot. The problem is she's not jealous or acting out towards him. She's just trying to be helpful...or playful...or she's just curious.

I found cookies all over the floor today. She was trying to sort them into two bowls because she wanted to share her cookies with me. Later I heard Chipmunk start wailing. I found him with a stuffed dog on his face that Bear left for him to "play" with. I scolded her later for pushing me as I was changing Chipmunk's diaper, but really she was making room for herself so she could watch. Just a few minutes ago, she was trying to share the remote with her brother but instead conked him on the head accidentally. Last night at dinner she spilled a bowl of food because she was determined to "help" daddy and serve him some potatoes.

It must be rough being a toddler, not really understanding what all these rules are for and people constantly telling you "no" all the time. I try to allow her the freedom to grow, to help her use her creativity and explore through her curiosity, but I find myself having to referee some of her endeavors. Telling her to sit down when we eat, reminding her that baby brothers need their space, and how sometimes we don't want a third helping of salad on our plates are just a few of the things I tell her daily.

She discovered the bouncer works great as a catapult, problem being Chipmunk tends to be the object she tries to catapult. One day she happily yelled, "hat!," while playing with plastic measuring cups and even tried them out on Chipmunk's head. She then yelled, "hammer!" which followed with an ear piercing 11 week old's cry...needless to say a timeout followed. She wants to give her brother a hug and instead of lightly embracing she pulls and tugs at him in an attempt to hold him herself, while we're trying to make sure she doesn't pull off an appendage.

She's slowly learning...and I guess this is just how kids learn that there are boundaries and limits...which in my mind are truly hard to set. I realize that there are some rules that are more important than others. Those regarding her safety and of others around her are most important. I'm also a stickler for rules that promote family togetherness and those that teach manners and politeness. It's just so hard to see her tear up because, well, she meant well, suddenly feels guilty for making her brother cry, and now she's being punished? Poor kid. I hope she'll understand someday soon.