About Me

My photo
I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

Translator!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Okay All You Angry People....



When our 2½ year old grand daughter becomes petulant I've learned that diversion is a great instrument.    Two weeks ago when it was time for her to leave our home and return home with her mother, and she refused to move, refused to put her shoes on, would not allow anyone near her to put her shoes on  all this while weeping disconsolately,  I said, "Maybe it's time for us to sing?" 

She said, "NO!"

Hoooowww abouuuut "Twinkle, Twinkle?"

"NO!"

How about "Humpty Dumpty?"

"NO!"

Hoooowwww abbouuuuut "The Itsy Bitsy Spider?"

"NO!"

Her no's became more and more strident with each answer.  Thirty songs later and at the end of my Ariana repertoire, I said sarcastically, "Well, how about "Rock-a My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham"  and that's about it for me."


She said, "How about "Rock-a My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham".  Husband and daughter snickered, and so I launched into it -- not as well as Alvin Ailey's group -- but the crying stopped.  She allowed me to put her shoes and jacket on -- a happier child.

Would it were so easy that the world's ills could be so easily mollified.







15 comments:

George said...

It sounds as if this is a wonderful technique, but I think you may have to expand your repertoire, especially if you move on to soothe an angry world.

Lena said...

Love it!! So much easier than arguing with them!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Funny, Kathy... That may be some good advice for us adults when we are upset or angry about something... Walk away from it and do something different. That should help!!!!!

Cute little gal! Oh--those 'terrible' twos.... My best friend's daughter has twin boys and they are two... GADS---what little messes.. I'm not sure that changing the subject would help... ha

Hugs,
Betsy

Tracy said...

Kathy,
I had a little boy with autism and the only way I could get him to follow directions in the afternoon was to sing...so sing I did! Thank God I was able to because I don't know if he would have follwed the direction :) It still makes me smile when one day I was singing to him because he needed to put his coat on and in walks my principal who did NOT like my children...there was nothing I could do to explain that one!

Linda Reeder said...

I guess she just needed a little soul rockin'. Good work, Grandma.

happyone said...

Sounds like a great idea, but you have a lot more patience than I do! :-)

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

If only we could "distract" all the grown ups acting like two year olds to make them behave! I'm sure your g'daughter will someday say, "You know, my grandma REALLY ROCKED..." all the while humming "Rock'a My Soul..."
hehe

Purple Flowers said...

I love the fact that you were able to console her in a very positive fashion. Singing is very therapeutic. You are giving her great memories, Nona!

Kimberly said...

Singing soothes whatever ails you. She is adorable!

Anonymous said...

Yes, she is adorable and I'm sure her Mom loves that Gramma can work her magic with her. Singing is a great diversion!

Sally Wessely said...

I think this will be a treasured story as she gets older.

Bilbo said...

I wonder if "Rock-a My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham" would work on Congress? Perhaps if we used real rocks...?

ain't for city gals said...

Ah yes,,if only it could be that easy...on the working out thing...I do it absolutely positively first thing in the morning....otherwise it just doesn't get done...no matter how good intentions I have...

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

She is so adorable! Glad you finally found the right song.

Kay said...

Diversion works best for my granddaughter also. Looks like your little one has refined taste in music as well.