V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!

Maybe I'm some kind of a weirdo, but as a mom, the feeling of successfully teaching (or in this particular case weaning) your child in an area to help them mature and progress is such a fulfilling experience. I'd equate it to the feeling of completing a big project at work that seemed impossible, but you finished nonetheless. Or a term paper/project. Anything big like that. Jest all you want for the comparisons, but I would venture to say the feeling is even better because the subject is one that you care deeply for the ultimate well being of.

Last week, I decided to turn over a new parenting leaf. I was getting concerned that my sweet little girl was becoming somewhat of a spoiled mess of emotions. It was exhausting to say the least. The screaming was ferocious and her dependence on a "passie" had taken a turn for the worst. I felt a little bit out of control and that more so, this not even two year old held the reigns. But, with some advice and a resolve between my sweetheart and I...we decided to take the plunge and pull the plug. Literally. The pacifier was a goner as of last Tuesday. I also got some advice from a doctor (via my sisters daughters doctor whom my sister so kindly solicited for her advice in my behalf) that the best way to deal with the screaming is to do one thing. IGNORE!

If you've ever heard my child scream, its nothing short of the feeling of a heart attack mixed with that boiling point where you feel like ripping off your own ears to escape the sound. I'm sure one day when she is a beautifully accomplished soprano, I will be grateful for her strong set of pipes...but when she lets out these blood curdling screams, it's unbearable.

So obviously suggesting the "IGNORE" tactic was definitely easy to suggest, but VERY hard to do. Nonetheless, I already had my mind made up that I was going to accomplish these things. So, I apologize to any adult I had communication with last week...I had to find a very internal place with myself in order to successfully complete the "ignoring" part. I was therefore a little bit socially handicapped. Now before you all think I ignored my child for a week...that wasn't the case. I simply ignored the screams. Discipline and time outs were still given as a consequence of wrong choices, however when it came to the shreiking for attention, I acted as though I heard nothing.

Surprisingly, it has actually worked. It hasn't been completely rectified, but it is definitely on the mend. I am grateful to the Lord for granting me the patience and peace I prayed for so earnestly each and every day. I can't explain how or why, but I had a much better tolerance and sense of patience than I've ever had in my child rearing career (a whole of less than two years)...in probably one of the hardest behavioral times for my child. I can only credit the Spirits loving guidance and whispered encouragings that I was doing the right things. How grateful I am for that source of strength...I can't say enough about it.

As far as the pacifier goes, Montana had a rough nap that first day. She cried for a little while asking for her long lost best friend "Passie"...(haha)...but eventually fell asleep. Her crying was shorter that night as we tucked her in for the evening. And now, a week later, there is no mention of it at all. Definitely a victory.

Now, on to POTTY TRAINING...OY VEY...PRAY FOR ME...