I Need Some Help

Yes, that is the kitchen table and yes, that is my daughter on top of it. I did say I needed help, didn't I?

Megan won't stop climbing on top of the kitchen table. On the day I took this picture, we were all ready to go out shopping. I had to run upstairs to get my socks and I came back to find her in her new favorite spot, dancing on top of the kitchen table. I was gone for no more than 30 seconds!

I need some advice. Real advice. Please don't tell me not to leave her for 30 seconds. (Only someone who has never stayed at home with kids will think that is possible anyway.) A few times a day (ha) I must look in a direction that is not hers. While I am doing so, I must be confident she is not dancing on the table.

I've read three books on toddlers from cover to cover and still don't feel like I'm in control of my pint-sized climber. One book says it is ok to slap on the hand in a dangerous situation to get the child's attention quickly and to let them know in no uncertain terms that their behavior is unacceptable. (ex: running into the street) Climbing on top of tables????? Well, I tried it. I slapped her hand and she cried. Then she climbed back up on the table. I continued this cycle until I realized IT WASN'T WORKING. I don't want to have to hit her - I really don't. I'm especially not going to knowing it isn't working.

The same book said to try putting the toddler in time-out to allow for introspection. Are they serious??? INTROSPECTION?? My child introspects nothing right now!!! On the the next book.

The next book said to let the child learn from natural consequences. For example, the natural consequence of throwing your food is that you cannot reach it and therefore don't get to eat it. This plan doesn't work in all circumstances. It would be crazy to let her learn about the natural consequences of climbing on the table by falling off. Besides, she already fell off once (remember?) and obviously didn't learn her lesson. (note the sarcasm)

The third book said to count to three out loud to give the child a chance to change their behavior. (Katie tried this, by the way, to which Colin replied "4 - 5 - 6 and 7.....yea," so pleased with himself he could count.) Not exactly a glowing review for this particular plan. Anway, the book says if the behavior doesn't change, pick the toddler up and move them to time-out. If they leave the time-out area, DO NOT hold them in it. It gives them attention, which you don't want to do. It says if they leave the time-out area, use a playpen to contain them for one minute for every year old they are.

My problem with that plan is that Megan sometimes sleeps in her playpen when we are away. I don't want her to get confused and think she is in trouble when we try to put her in bed away from home. Also, am I going to be putting my five year old in timeout in a playpen??

I modified the book's plan and sat a chair in the corner of the dining room. I sat her in it immediately after she climbed on the kitchen table. I set the timer on the stove to 1 minute and did not give her any attention. When I came back to get her, she was standing on the dining room chair!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Please, please help. I have a Master's degree in education, specializing in children with behavior/emotional issues. My area of expertise does not extend down to 15 month olds with a fondness for climbing.

Once we've solved this problem, I have others................screaming in the grocery store to get down, throwing all the food out of the cart on the floor, picking her nose in public, passing gas loudly in the library and grunting..........these are just a few of Megan's charming habits. Ideas??? Ideas, please!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leeds Farm - September 29, 2007

John's company has some sort of gathering for employees and their families every couple of months. This time, it was the Leeds Pumpkin Farm. Megan had a great time looking at the animals! Since his work paid for everything, we didn't think to bring any cash with us, only the trusty debit/credit cards. There was a feeder in the barn, but you had to pay $.50 for a cup of food for the goats. John and I both looked at each other and couldn't believe between the two of us we couldn't even come up with FIFTY DARN CENTS!! Those poor goats kept looking at Megan, thinking she might give them some food . . . but nope . . . her parents only had plastic. Sign of the times, isn't it?


We took a hayride around the grounds. It was fun!

Our little pumpkin.

Wow......she's getting so big!

Be careful, the pigs bite! They are cute, aren't they?


Those poor, hungry goats!

Bon Voyage

We set sail tomorrow from Fort Lauderdale for a cruise to Jamiaca and Grand Cayman.

It is so tough to leave Megan behind. I'll miss her so much, but know she is in good hands with Mom and Dad Keller. Keep them in your thoughts as they take care of the dog, the cat, the fish, and the toddler!

We'll talk to you soon!

I CAN USE A SPOON !

Megan's table manners are a little messy, to say the least. I've been wondering how to teach her to use a spoon. My friends told me to just give it to her and one day she would eventually figure it out. When that didn't happen as quickly as I thought it would, I started to get nervous my child would be at the prom shoveling food in her mouth with her hands. Yikes!

I tried to put my hand over her hand and bring the spoon to her mouth. That got yogurt all over the wall, the windows, and the dog. I think I found some in my hair later too. I tried to show her in an very animated way how much I loved spooning food in my mouth. She just gave me a strange look and continued to stuff her own food in with her hands.

Then one day, daddy sits down in front of her. He holds the bowl, gives her a spoon, and off she goes!!!! He yells to me, "Hey honey, look! She's using the spoon." I walk over, expecting to see Megan flinging yogurt all over the kitchen. Nope! My little girl was laughing with her daddy, spooning food into her mouth. Her aim was a little erratic, but she was doing it.

As I watched John and Megan together, I realized how important these moments really are. I realized I am married to one heck of a guy and an even better father. I realized our life together and the family we are building is the most important endeavor of my life. So what if he leaves his shoes all over the place. So what if I haven't seen the floor of his office since last fall. My daughter's eyes light up when he comes into the room, and mine do too.

Labor Day at the Cabin 2007

Here are pictures from the annual trip to "The Cabin" in Steamburg, NY. My family owns a cabin and some property in the Allegheny foothills. My parents, my brother and his two girls (Brianna and Austyn), my sister Katie and her husband Justin, their son Colin, John, Megan and I all stayed at the cabin over Labor Day weekend. My dad took the gang on tractor rides and they loved it!
Megan loved to climb on the small tractor and pretend she was driving. She even made a vroom noise!
Isn't she cute! My little John Deere girl!
"Driving" the tractor!

All tired out from a long day riding tractors and taking walks. How cute!
Megan and Mommy by the pond. I can't believe we used to swim in that when we were little. Yuck!
Our happy little family on the dock at the pond.

Austyn, John, Brianna, and Megan going for a ride on the tractor.
Daddy's Girl - Megan absolutely loves John! She prefers him over anyone else.