Parenting Toddler
by Becky
(New York, USA)
One way or another, I'm going to leave my mark in this world!
Dear Dr. Julia,
I have a three year old son that loves to draw and color.
The problem is, every time I turn my back he draws on our walls!
I do discipline him and I was wondering why he hasn't stopped by now.
Signed,
The writing's on the wall
Dear Becky,
My tip for your "parenting toddler dilemma" is to never turn your back on them!
This is true in absolutely EVERY situation pertaining to toddlers, as they are always pulling "fast ones".
Let's see what they'll do if you do turn your back for just one second...
- Put objects in toilet
- Flush objects in toilet
- Climb ladder
- Fall from ladder
- Get juice from refrigerator
- Spill juice inside and outside of refrigerator
- Play with scissors
- Run with scissors
And of course, as you know,
- draw on walls with crayons
These are all a normal part of a child's development. Usually, these types of behaviors are outgrown (only to be replaced by others that are even more disturbing). For now, get good at having "eyes in the back of your head".
However, I am aware of at least three individuals that did
not outgrow their obsession with drawing on walls...
This little guy exchanged his crayons for a sword and grew up to be a legendary hero - writing on walls all over town!
This one one took to ceilings, once he grew bored with walls.
Although this child was in pretty deep for ruining fresh mortar with his artwork, his father decided it added to the decor, which was all the encouragement this kid needed. He ended up drawing on temple walls without consequence long into adulthood.
That being said, maybe all you can do is protect your own walls for the next eighteen years or so.
Dr. Julia
