Frustrated

He may not look ornery at first glace. But looks can be deceiving.

Warner has tested my patience today. Too many times to count. This little person who was once so compliant now has a (strong) will of his own and is very colorful in the ways he expresses himself. Mainly, he hits. Hits me, himself, or anything nearby. Or, he throws things - toys, food, sippy cups (thank heavens for spill-proof sippy cups. Our house would be one sticky mess without them).

I've tried everything from gently putting his arms at his side and telling him that we don't hit or throw ... to not so gently explaining that we don't do these things. I've tried time-outs where we sit and count to 20. I've tried leaving the room (my personal favorite, as I get a break and a chance to cool down). Nothing seems to work.

We had our first playgroup today with Mom's Club. Four other boys ranging in age from 13 to 16 months came over to our house with their mothers. As the moms talked, I was relieved to hear that my son is not the only one driving his mother crazy. I just hope I'm responding to Warner's behavior appropriately.

And, I'm often told it's a phase. He won't go to college hitting things when he gets mad ... right?