setting limits

Over the last few weeks, and especially in the last week, NJ has thrown more intensive tantrums than in the past. This is frustrating for two reasons. First, we are not sure if he is really throwing a tantrum or if he is teething or something like that. He does have molars coming in so maybe that is the problem. On occasion, but not always, he puts his hand in his mouth when he is putting on his show. Second, if this is the sign of him being more defiant, I want to make sure that we are not caving to him. If it is a pain thing, though, I don't want to be callous.

I am no genius with kids, and I definitely have never had illusions that I knew what parenthood was like until now. However, I always figured I knew enough about setting limits that it would be more, rather than less, obvious how to handle individual situations. What I didn't consider is how difficult it is to identify what age justifies what limits.

At two, I know that NJ is testing his limits. He generally knows what he wants and how to get it. I do not think this is a good thing. Setting limits and keeping him to them while he is at an age where he does not understand punishment is not something that I fully considered until recently. I know what my parents did that worked on me, but that was from when I was much older than two.

All I have to say is that kids should come with owner's manuals.