Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Sick House

We are finally coming out the other side of the season’s first nasty cold. Poor Clare was out of daycare all of last week, and poor Mom and Dad had to juggle schedules, miss work, and then suffer through the cold ourselves. At least we can take Sudafed. Clare had ANOTHER double ear infection, so we have an appointment with an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to discuss the possibility of tubes. I am also going to make an appointment with a chiropractor, because some of my more traditional western medicine-averse friends have suggested it as a possibility for helping with ear infections. Also, my Dad’s chiropractor said it can work to help drain the ear, depending on the child. Has anyone else tried it?

Then today, while dropping Clare off at daycare, one of her teachers informed me that Clare is a “bad sharer.” Really, what I am supposed to do with this information? She asked me what we do at home, and I said, well, you know, Clare doesn’t have to share at home so it isn’t really an issue. Also, she is 17-months-old. Are any 17-month-olds good sharers? She also mentioned her tantrums, which, yes, she does have those at home. And when she does, she does not get what she wants. Once she realizes her fit is ineffective, she usually stops. Also: are tantrums by a 17-month-old really all that unusual, either? She is just testing her boundaries. Please, someone inform me if I am way off base here. Or if you have any suggestions to help her learn to share, I am all ears. (Or eyes, as the case may be.)

Today is my last day at work for the week, so I am very happy about that. I plan to eat and drink my way through the rest of the week, especially on Thursday. Blood Mary’s and wine, here I come! (Oh, and turkey and stuffing and corn casserole and rolls and pumpkin pie and apple pie and, and, and….)

Have a very happy Thanksgiving, to all of you stateside.  To those of you not in the U.S., have a great week!

Glamour girl. (Her new favorite word: tutu.)

4 comments:

  1. I had a co-worker whose mother took her regularly to a chiropractor from a young age. She hated every minute of it. I suspect Clare would react the same.

    I had ear infections as a baby/toddler. Your grandmother will tell you I was on antibiotics a lot. Some kids just get 'em.

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  2. I had ear infections all the time as a kid. I got tubes and I've never had one since. So, while scary to put Clare under for something like that, it may be totally worth it in comfort and doctor's bills! (I agree with your aunt - a chiropractor sounds like torture for a toddler, but just my opinion.)

    As for tantrums and sharing, I think it's laughable that the teacher mentioned this to you (because TYPICAL), unless she thought because Clare is an only child, you might not see these behaviors at home? With Mason we've been practicing sharing (though he's nearly a year older), by showing mom sharing with dad and using "please" and "thank you" and "good sharing!" Then when he shares, after some coaxing and reminding, we always praise him and he gets a big kick out of it. But again, at 17 months? Not sure Mason would've got it one bit. When he was 17 months, all the other kids took his toys and he cried, so there's that. Laura's just proud that he stands up for himself now!

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  3. I had a lot of ear infections as a kid, never got tubes (as I recall my doc didn't think they worked). I think some kids are more prone. PS: Not all chiropractic work is the traditional or stereotypical cracking bones -- not sure what they do for ear infections but I have heard some people get relief from ear infections via chiropractic. I would say just make sure you go to someone who specializes in pediatric chiropractic and you're likely to see some relief!

    Also, Clare is 17 months old. They are like walking egos at that point--don't worry. That teacher is just being unhelpful.

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  4. I'm sure this is just a phase and Clare will grow out of it. I mean, aren't the majority of 17-month-olds territorial, to some degree? Maybe you can sing her the Raffi song, "It's mine, but you can have some, with you I'd like to share it, if I share it with you, you'll have some too!" ;)

    Good luck at the ENT specialist. I'm curious to hear what they recommend.

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