Rerouting

I love my navigation system on my phone. It’s like having this awesome friend who knows where to go and isn’t pissed when I have to ask for directions all the time. Nav (we are on a first name basis now) has helped me find my way from the depths of LA to the beautiful resort of St. Regis Monarch Beach of Dana Point. She helped me go all the way from my house to Chicago. When I make a wrong turn, I love how she gently mummers in her monotone voice, “Rerouting,” as she delicately redirects me to my destination.

She always has my back.

Last week, I talked about my recent parenting struggles in The Pool Incident. I was a bit nervous when I wrote this post and asked for help. The Internet can be a cold, hard crowd. And although I was writing about normal two year old behavior, I was totally not proud of my behavior of putting all the threats I could think of on the table.

But I am so glad I did write this post. Your comments helped me tremendously. They made me think, “Hell, yeah I need to do something about this.” I felt as if I was going down this path of being bulldozed by a two year old and all of his random, urgent whims.

Your comments rerouted me back to the path that I strayed from in fear of being mean mom. Your comments gave me clarity: there is nothing wrong with laying down the law. In fact, I *have* to lay down the law. I would be doing a great disservice if I didn’t.

So this week, I initiated time-outs when Thomas would not join us at the dinner table. I got down on his level, explained to him that although he didn’t have to eat, he had to sit at the table with us. I told him to stay on the bench for two minutes, and when I got back, he could either join us or think about it in another time out. I didn’t react. I didn’t threat. I didn’t take it personally. There were clear expectations. And guess what?

After three times, it worked. He joined up for dinner.

Consistency is not easy. But it works. (At least, this week it did).

Putting this post out there and all the comments I received reminded me why I love blogging so much: the sense of community. I am not the only one struggling with a strong willed two year old.

And for that, I thank you.

Have a great week!

Summer Days – I’m going to Lighten UP with a Thirty-One Giveaway!

I will not lie; I’ve hit a few speed bumps during this week. Here’s a quick bullet list as to keep me from dwelling on it now. I will save them for a separate blog post. Obviously. (See title).

• My epic search for the best non-toxic sunblock that does not smell like vomit *and* works (such high standards, I know)

• The tantrums of my 2 year old that end up in pouts and antisocial behavior (please check out Skinny Scoop for my poll on how to deal with such behavior)

• Making sure I do the Kindergarten packet with Marie that includes about 207 points of interest

• Reading an awesome and incredible, yet completely depressing book by Ashley Judd called Everything That is Bitter and Sweet (I love love love this book, and I greatly admire her strength in finding herself and setting personal boundaries all while going to the worst slums of developing nations; however, it’s just a little heavy for me at this time)

So here are the some fun things to lighten up all this drama:

• BlogHer11 is a month away! Yeaaa! I cannot wait!

• My garden is taking off and looking awesome!

• And last but certainly not least, a giveaway!

My friend Beth at Stape’s House is a Thirty-One Gifts Director. She has been kind enough to let me try out the utility tote. Here it is:



The one she gave me is in the Pin Dots print.  I love it!  The one I will be giving away is in the Floral Celebration print.
Awesome for some summer fun!

Here are the rules:

Please leave a comment on this post about your favorite product Thirty-One product at www.mythirtyone.com/ladystapleton

Here’s what you must do for extra entries. Please leave a comment on this post for each thing you did. Each comment is an extra entry:

- Become a fan of Mommy on the Spot on Facebook (or leave a comment if you already are a fan).
- Become a fan of Mommy on the Spot on Twitter (or leave a comment if you already are a fan).
- Become a fan of this blog.
- Become a fan of Stape’s House.
- Share this post on Twitter, Facebook, or any other social network site.


You must live in the continental U.S. The contest will start Thursday, July 7th and end on Saturday, July 14th midnight EST. The winner will be picked at random. I will announce the winner on Monday, July 13th.

Good luck, everyone!