Comments on: The art of conscious ignoring

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:23:37 +0000

“Please don’t interrupt me while I’m ignoring you!” I LOVE THAT! Where do I get one?

By: Shelly

Shelly — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:44:06 +0000

Hey Andrea, Nice strategy! And Giovanna, beautiful. Isn’t it amazing how kids can change their mood so quickly on their own sometimes?

By: Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:22:43 +0000

I tried to ignore the kicking into the drivers seat from my 2 year old this morning. I asked him a few times to stop, but he wouldn’t do it. I also asked my almost 4 year old to stop kicking into the passengers seat and I explained to him that if he stops his little brother will probably stop as well. That didn’t get me anywhere and I felt anger coming up, because I felt so helpless in that moment.

Instead of yelling at them I decided to take off Nicholas’ rain boots…and that did it. They lost interest in kicking.

By: Giovanna

Giovanna — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:12:24 +0000

I don’t have children of my own, but I’m a nanny for a family in Chapel Hill. I look after two boys, aged 3 and 6.

On Tuesday night, the 6 year old was showing me his Halloween costume. He has an easily set-off temper, and when part of the costume wasn’t working correctly, he became upset and started stomping around and yelling things. I offered to help him with his costume, but that only made it worse, so I chose to ignore! I sat on the couch and said “Ok, I can see that you’re mad. I’m going to sit here on the couch until you feel better.” I picked up a magazine, and he stomped off into the next room. He came back moments later with a smile on his face, showing me all of his candy. All he needed was a moment alone, with the reassurance that I was available and aware of his feelings.