The Pajama Ordeal

Alyria's been getting more and more independent, but she still has a quick temper. I was helper her get dressed for sleep, but having her dress herself. The legs of her pajamas were inside out, which she identified right away. I suggested she work on that first. But she still proceeded to put her arms in first (which she normally doesn't do because we'd previously established the easier order).

I informed her that she's choosing to do it the harder we. Her only response was to proclaim, "but I don't want to do it the harder way." As she continued down this path... I'm not sure she fully understands cause-effect yet, at least not through words.

As she started working on unraveling the legs of her pajamas, she got frustrated and started crying. On this day I was aiming to more be there for her if she asked for my help, but otherwise let her figure out her plan herself. However, I say that if she wanted me to do it for her, she'd have to give me access to her pajamas.

She walked over, but instead of handing me the pajamas, she proceeded to struggle with it more herself. She got quite upset and was crying. At one point when she was very upset, I tried to get her to just stop and calm down. But that pretty much never works... at this point there's nothing left to do than let her feel what she's feeling.

Eventually she calms down enough to be able to start again, and I guide her verbally through it. And she's able to get herself dressed.

Upset at Dad

At this point, mom comes in the room and helps her to calm down. As we're talking with her, I noticed that Alyria is not looking at me or really responding much to me. I asked her how she felt, if she felt frustrated, and she looked away and didn't want to answer.

It dawned on me... so I asked if she was upset because I didn't help her, and she gave me a nod.

Mom talked with her a bit more and she started to regain her composure. I also explained that I had tried, but she didn't really let me help her either. After a few moments, she was back to her chipper self and came over to sit on my lap.

Talking about it

Before we continued the sleep routine, I made sure to talk to her about it... I let her know that even though it doesn't feel nice to be upset at someone, it's okay to say it. Her attention was lost by then, so I'll probably have to talk to her about it again sometime when she's rested.