This video resonates to any parent of a child between the ages of 2 and 5. My own 4 year old son is dramatic about the cold when he’s tired. He will collapse on the floor and roll under the living room rug and claim he can’t brush his teeth because, “Its Fweeezzzing! I’m fweeeeeezing cold, it’s going to snow and ice it’s so cold!” (we live in Southern California so… you know… doubtful).
But what stands out for me about this video is the patient daddy behind the camera! Man, is he in the trenches of the preschool years, and yet he is measured, consistent, encouraging, and still compassionate. I assume when the tape stops rolling he picks her up and snuggles her and puts her to bed. But I gotta give him props for encouraging her to complete the task she is responsible for, without getting frustrated.
What do you think of the dad in this video?
Can you identify with the dramatics of a preschooler?
About Joanna Schroeder
The father did so well! We don’t need anymore drama queens and the worst he could’ve done would have been to give in and carry the oh so heavy bowl for daddy’s little girl. It’s a great example of good parenting, being encouraging and not giving in to the drama.
So cute! I actually thought that the little girl was really funny and that the dad handled things really well.
The term ‘drama queen’ worries me, to tell you the truth. I think it opens up a whole can of parents not respecting their kids feelings. But, that’s another conversation, I suppose.
Oh boy. Is this what I have to look forward to if I have children?
Yes, you do, Jake!
But you know, these sort of tantrums are somehow not the worst part of parenthood.
And you’ll do great. Just make sure you get some video when your little one does funny shit like this so we can put it on the good feed blog, haha.
She’s so tired and Dad is so patient. I highly recommend Dr. Dan Siegal’s work on understanding scientifically what’s going on in the brain during development. Forget about the 2′s, ages 3-4.5 is no joke (well a lot of funny, but also challenging).
I gotta look into that, Jessy. I have to say, I loved The Happiest Toddler On The Block… Sounds like a silly title, but I saw him speak life in a small group and he was so brilliant and it makes a HUGE difference with toddlers (I liked Happiest Baby, too, but wasn’t a devotee).
His basic idea is that instead of keeping your voice as calm and quiet and talk to them like a 1960s-era psychologist with, “You’re fine. All is fine. Shhhhh… This is not a big deal…” He thinks you should calmly and in a controlled way sort of reflect the feelings of the child. The dad here is sort of doing it, by saying, “That must be really, really heavy but I believe you can do it.” He’s not saying, “Kirsten, shhhh… quiet down… this is no big deal…”
So I do that sometimes and people think I’m nuts. Like making a mad face and saying, “You must be so MAD!” but like, at about 30% of the intensity of the little one. But they feel very validated by that. LIke, “oh thank god, someone hears me.”
Of course other times, I’m like ‘Geeezeeee Get up!!! But the dang bowl in the sink!!” We can’t be good all the time, can we
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It reminds me of trying to coach social and religious conservatives on progressive issues like women’s reproductive rights and LGBT rights.
No, seriously, the dad was great. And the little girl found it very difficult to keep up the nasty edge to her whining in the face if his kindness and good humour. I applaud his patience.