The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block 2-Book Bundle pdfdrive com

“Once upon a time there was a little birdie named Fluffy
who worried when her mommy flew away to find
breakfast. She said, ‘Don’t go, Mommy!’ But her mommy
had to leave … for just a super-duper fast minute. So
Fluffy waited and sang songs with her teddy bear until
Mommy came back. Mommy always came back, and then
Fluffy felt happy and safe. ‘Yea! Mommy’s home!’ the
little birdie cheered, and her mom gave her lots of
kisses … and some big juicy worms to eat.”
Loveys.
Loveys are terrific for kids with separation issues. Encourage
your tot to make friends with a lovey. If your older toddler hasn’t yet
taken to one, offer a special charm (like a bracelet, magic coin, photo)
that she can touch and look at whenever she misses you.
Now, after practicing these at home for several days, here’s how to use
them to respond to your child’s protests at preschool. I call this
combination of tools “Mommy Interruptus.”
Start by Connecting with Respect.
Give hugs and echo your
child’s concerns in a sincere voice with lots of repetition: “You say, ‘No!

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No, No!!! No school! No go, Mommy!’ ”
Once your tot calms a bit, give her a little time-in (play, read, or sit
together as you describe what other kids are wearing and doing).
Next, Use Patience-Stretching and Loveys.
After a few
minutes, act like you suddenly remembered you have to do something:
“Oh! Oh! Wait! Wait! Mommy has to see teacher. Wait! Wait!” Then say,
“You hold teddy (or your magic bracelet) really hard, and Mommy will
be right back!” Then walk quickly across the room and return in just two
or three seconds, saying, “I know, sweetheart. You say, ‘Mommy, don’t
go!’ But, good waiting! Good waiting! Come on, let’s play!”
If she’s protests, reflect her feelings by hitting her sweet spot with
your face, tone, and gestures. Play a little more, until she is happy for a
few minutes; then repeat the patience-stretching. For example, you
might suddenly say, “Uh-oh! Pee-pee! Pee-pee! Mommy has to go pee-
pee. Here, hug teddy, I’ll be right back.” Then leave the room for a quick
three seconds.

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Over the next fifteen minutes, repeat this process many times. (“Uh-
oh! Mommy has to pee-pee again! Here, let me draw a funny face on
your hand you can look at, and I’ll be right back.”) Gradually leave for
longer periods (ten seconds, twenty seconds, thirty seconds, one minute).
Once your child can calmly handle several minutes without you, you
can leave for good. But never sneak away! Give a big wave and
cheerfully announce, “Bye-bye! I love you. I’ll see you after your nap. If
you want me, just touch your magic bracelet (or look at the funny face I
drew on your hand) and think of me giving you a big hug.” You might
also mention something fun you’ll do together after school.