Readers,
How do you go about keeping a straight face when a child is having a fit and starts spouting off, (not making any sense,) and you know if you crack a smile or laugh, the child will get even further upset and be convinced that mom and dad do not love him/her?
Signed,
Parent waiting for child to cool down and listen to reason
8 comments:
I fake a coughing attack. The trick is not letting your "coughs" sound too much like "laughs". For me, I can't hold in laughter so the "coughing" releases some of the urge to crack up right in their faces. After a good "attack", I can usually contain myself. :)
I used to worry more about that than I do now. Now if I can't keep it in, I just laugh. I figure it's okay, and it gives the opportunity to discuss how ridiculous behavior can warrant a laugh sometimes.
Fear not - The child will still eventually cool down and listen to reason.
I'm famous for not keeping a straight face, but miraculously my kids (most of the time) know I love them even thought I can't help buy laugh once in awhile.
Just laugh. It'll break the tension (for you at least). And it will be one of those things your kids will mock you for in your old age.
Sorry, but I have to say that (even if the child may eventually get over your laughing at him/her) you're right to squelch all impulses to smile, chuckle, chortle or guffaw...the child is in pain.
Maybe I sound like Dr. Laura, but I don't care. Laughing at a frustrated child is unkind. Don't laugh. If all else fails, do the Zen thing: become the child and imagine how you would want your loving, compassionate parent to respond to your frustration. It's not easy, but it deepens your relationship, builds trust and respect and lets your child know his/her feelings are valid, and important to you. ..So later when s/he is eighteen s/he will call you unexpectedly and ask you about pregnancy tests and birth control...good luck with all of it.
Well, seeing how I have never faced this (LIAR, LIAR, HUMPERDINK, HUMPERDINK HUMPERDINK!) Whoops, I guess I got caught. I agree with Cari, coughing seems to work best but I have found that talking about how silly their reaction was and perhaps a different approach would have been better suited to their age has worked pretty good.
that happened to me today when my 2 year old cried TEARS cos the cookie broke in half and he couldn't push it back together.
My husband cries back at kids when they are throwing a tantrum... So, when we have kids I'm sure it'll be interesting!
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