nanny 101

Everyday I get a step closer to Amelie. I'm trying my hardest to come to her level to engage in play and empathise with her ability to understand the world around her.

I yelled at her today. It occurred after a sundowner swim and a gleeful cry of "poo-poos!" from Amelie. To our horror, Steph and I realized she indeed, took a shit in the pool. I was not too phased by this act, as she is a nappy-wearing 2.5 year old, but the temper tantrum that followed grated on my nerves.

During the rush of getting children and poo out of the water, Princess Amelie decided to return to the 1000 liter toilet sans arm floats. Holding Laurent as Steph fished turds from the pool floor, I attempted to verbally convey the message of NO but alas, there was no getting through to the excited toddler.

As the second foot entered the pool, I took hold of Amelie's hand while holding baby Laurent in the other. Once I retrieved her from the water, I sat down to appease the crying baby. Amelie began a screaming session centimeters from my face. I calmly explained we must take a bath since the pool had been contaminated. 40 decibals later I raised my voice which led to another 10 decibal increase. Steph cautioned that a reaction as such would only make her cry louder. I changed my approach: calm comfort. 60 decibal screaming + crying infant. At this point, I cut my losses and led Amelie to the bath without a word.

-5 points LeeLee, 1 point Amelie

Lessons learned:
1. there is no such thing as rational thought for a toddler in the midst of a temper tantrum
2. children have the super power of breaking the sound barrier standing still