Competition

We haven’t had any serious tantrums from Eleanor since we wrote about them last month. We’ve been using the techniques that we talked about, but I’m sorry to admit that I also use the following technique and it works really well:

ME: Eleanor, go get your shoes.

ELEANOR: No.

ME: Okay, then I’ll put Miranda’s shoes on first.

ELEANOR: No, Eleanor first! (Eleanor runs to get her shoes.)

ME: Eleanor, get on the changing pad. I need to change your diaper.

ELEANOR: No.

ME: Okay, then I’ll change Miranda’s diaper first.

ELEANOR: No, Eleanor first! (Eleanor dives onto the changing pad.)

You get the idea. The only time this doesn’t work is if Miranda overhears me and then wants to go first. But actually, Miranda doesn’t care as much if she goes first. So conversely, this technique doesn’t work as well on Miranda. On the other hand, she is usually willing to do the things we ask her to do. Bernard says it’s only a matter of time (i.e. a few weeks) before Eleanor figures out what I’m doing and refuses to play along. Sigh.