I've noticed over the past couple of weeks how difficult it is to do certain things with Mackenzie anymore. Outings that requires a stroller or sitting in a high chair ends up in a power struggle between mother and daughter. On Wednesday my family and I went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday. We had the kiddo with us and things started out smoothly. Mac colored, ate her snacks, drank her juice, looked at a book, you get the idea. I know things are heading south when she starts throwing items on the floor. This usually leads to her standing up in the high chair. Yes, she will stand up in it and attempt to crawl onto the table, but not before doing a little, "I'm so cute" dance. I have been very surprised to learn how many restaurants have broken straps on their high chairs. Surely, my child is not the only one that attempts this...right?
Now I must make a decision.
Option #1-Assuming the strap is broken; sit her back down in the high chair and listen to her whine. Sit her back down, again, in the high chair and listen to her whine. Sit her back down, again, in the high chair, listen to her cry and ask the waitress to box up my food because this will go on ALL NIGHT.
Option #2-Let her out of the high chair, knowing the grandparents will help keep an eye on her.
Option #3-This isn't really an option, but I will include it since my witty husband would surely point it out. Ask the waitress for another chair that has a working strap. Now, I will tell you why this isn't really an option at all. I would be required to take Mac out of the chair, and to a 15 month old, this clearly means they are about to be set free. Putting her in another chair AND strapping her in would not end well for anyone. Can you tell our child is a little on the temperamental side?
If I let her out, does she win? Or do I win, because now I can eat and enjoy my glass of wine?
So, which option did I choose?
Duh.....option #2. However, I did draw the line when she attempted to take off her shoes and socks. And since I was a teacher, I must reflect on this situation, to learn what worked and what I would do differently next time. Next time, I will make sure the high chair has a working strap before placing my kid in it.
This video was taken a few months ago, but it shows off Mackenzie's dancing skills she pulled out on my b-day.
6 comments:
Sounds like Lorenn. When out to eat, once the toes hit the ground, it is on! I like her moves. Does she get her booty shaking skills from mom or dad. I am going to go with mom. I've seen you at flashbacks my dear.
hehehe on the dancing skills.
Wish I could give you tips. But since I am childless, I have none. After volunteering the the church nursery for several years, I think I've become immune to babies and toddlers crying - - however, when you are out to eat, it does bother other people. Ignoring doesn't work too well, huh?
I'm surprised the straps on the high chairs aren't functional, but probably because so many kids had broken the "chains of bondage". Anyways, I'd think it would be a liability. What if a kid stood up and fell out of the chair and hit their head on the floor?
Happy Birthday!
welcome to the power struggle portion of childhood. I'm not sure but I think this is going to last for the next 18 years... or so.
My children are fiercly independent and thus power struggles are a normal thing around here. flboy always jokes that its like boot camp, we need to break them down and then build them back up but darn it if their just too strong. Or stubborn. : )
Hello Kelly,
This is Teresa from Warren. Sure do miss seeing and hearing from you.
McKenzie is sure growing up she is so cute.
Kennedi is going to have a playmate in May. Nicole & Charlie are expecting. We are so excited because we thought that it would never happen. They will find out on Friday if it is a girl or boy.
I went to the blog about Rob and was so heartsick that he had passed away. I would enjoy reading his blog nearly everyday.
Hey, let's keep in touch.
Mac is so cute. Don't worry. Once you figure out how to deal with the standing on high chairs and navigating outings with that going on...she will be done with that and on to something else.
When we at ate Mi Pueblo you were the second mom I had been with who was given the high chair with a non working strap. Why they do that when they have high chairs with working straps is beyond me. Dives me crazy.
I'm convinced no resturaunt has working straps...I'm also going to reassure you that you are not alone. Tim and I stopped going out to eat for a short bit while alex was at her peak of wanting to run wild and to NOT be strapped in without screaming. Then it was on to trying to get her to sit in the booth...we would trap her in but she would crawl UNDER the table on the nasty floor. Yum. It just continues until they get a little older. Alex is just now 'somewhat' more enjoyable out to eat...given that she is not tired, it's a child friendly place, it's not crowded(to avoid a scene!), and I'm up for the task of distracting her the entire meal, and having no real adult conversation other than, 'tim, it's your turn to play dolls so i can eat'! ha! what fun! and pretty soon, before we know it they won't even want to go out to eat with us old folks!
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