Yes, I have to say my child is a bully. I say this with a sense of pride in that he is bullying two and three year olds at daycare. I swear, and the daycare ladies agree, that Ethan thinks he is at least as big and as old as the two year olds.
I was worried about two weeks ago that he was being bullied at daycare by one of the older boys who I witnessed throw him down while I walked in one day. I voiced a concern and was assured that they would keep an extra eye on him but was told that Ethan has no problem holding his own. Now I know this to be true.
Exhibit 1: Tuesday I walked in to watch Ethan yank a toy out of a two and a half year olds hands, knock him down and make him cry. (Daddy says, "That's my boy!")
Exhibit 2: Thursday I pick up Ethan only to learn that earlier in the day he wanted a toy that was at the bottom of the toy box and could not reach it. One of the older girls (three to four year old) reached in and took the toy he wanted. Ethan followed her and yanked the toy from her hands and ran away.
Exhibit 3: Today I arrive to see Ethan rocking the "babies" (4-6 month olds) in their seats, saying "baby", patting them on the head and hand gently and giving them kisses. Immediately following this he pushes through two older boys to get a front row seat at the door gate to see who was at the door. Once again making one boy cry.
My only problem is now he is picking up the behavior or the two and three year olds. Can you say temper tantrums?!? One day this week he did not get what he wanted and literally stood in the middle of the living room floor bouncing up and down, pounding his fists, screaming and crying hysterically for ten minutes. I called Patrick so he could hear his son, remember the "That's my boy!" comment. I refused to acknowledge the behavior so when he finally threw himself to the floor I asked him if he wanted to sit with me. He came over and I held him. At that point I don't think he even knew why he was crying anymore. Then it was over. Luckily that was the first and only so far.
He is doing great otherwise! He is learning to feed himself and is doing very well. He feeds himself his applesauce and yogurt now. The only thing I do is help him dip the spoon in the container. He is also saying "bye, bye" and waving at the appropriate times. Today he even did it leaving daycare without being prompted! Animal sounds are coming along. He can point to the animals but really only quacks like a duck so far. We are working on it. I think he hears enough barking in this house and is refusing to bark like the dogs. His favorite game is hide and seek and loves going to the park.
Concentrating on feeding himself, and doing a fine job!
Our latest news is that Ethan will be starting a 10 week music class on April 11 called music and movement. I am really excited to take him because he LOVES to dance and hear music. He is a Wiggles fan- the only show I let him watch (thank God for DVR).
Eating a snack and watching The Wiggles
We are looking forward to Ethan's first Easter egg hunt this weekend. We'll post pictures after the weekend. Have a Happy Easter everyone!
