Today We Cut Off Her Thumbs
Today Jim explained to Emersyn that soon, she will have to give up her binky, get potty trained and sleep in a big-girl bed. He told her this because in less than 6 short months the new baby will be here...he told her that as well. As he explained this to her, she stood there in front of him, head down, starring at his shoes, speechless. I would say that she was just listening to him, but I know she knew what he was saying, and didn't so much like it.
There are many things that Emersyn does, understands and says that are beyond her two years on this planet. The other day we were at a restaurant and she saw a box of Goldfish crackers in a woman's diaper bag. She pointed to the box and said "Goldfish!" Cody and Skylar and I all looked at each other and then her, we have never owned Goldfish crackers---ever?! The kids were both totally freaked out. We are convinced she can read.
So back to the binky. A friend of mine Facebook messaged me the other day complaining about "well meaning" people that LOVE to tell you what to do with your kids, especially when it comes to things like binkys! What is it about the binky that offends? What is it about the age of two that seems to be a marking point for the end of the binky? What is it about people that they feel this is a topic that is ok for them to weigh in on?
I know that I should have ditched Emersyn's binky at exactly 18 months. It was AFTER 18 months that she then became attached. Now she loves it. If she gets hurt or is upset, she yells "binnnnkkkyyyy!!!" Cody and I were laughing yesterday about it. I told him, "she is mad, and might as well be yelling--cigarette mom!!!" Is it that the binky is an oral thing, that upsets people, or is it that they truly feel that this kid is going to go to prom with a binky?
I know that I gave ALL my kids binkys because I didn't want them to suck their thumbs. Trust me, it is wayyy more difficult to get rid of a thumb than a binky! I PERSONALLY know three ADULTS that still suck their thumbs or fingers and I know a few more that went through painful, difficult times quitting the thumb as teens! Maybe we could just cut off their thumbs?
I know parents that have used hot sauce, pepper and sharp, metal spikes orthodontically placed in their kid's mouth to get them to stop sucking their thumbs. NO, I AM NOT KIDDING! Tell me the last time you heard about someone having to do that to get rid of a binky?
I'LL TAKE A BINKY TILL 2 OVER A 40 YEAR OLD THUMB-SUCKER ANY DAY...but that's me!
My dad has told me stories about grown men in his office over the years that he has caught with their thumbs or fingers in their mouths while helping my dad come up with a defense for a murder, rape or theft! Thumb sucking doesn't stop because you are a rough and tough criminal. A habit is a habit!
Cody had his binky for at least two years, Skylar gave hers up earlier and Emersyn is still going strong with hers, but it will go soon. Thing is, if you see a child with a binky and the mother doesn't walk up to you and ask "What do you think about my child having a binky still?" That mother doesn't want you opinion AT ALL!
So unless you want that mother (me or my FB friend) to walk up to you and tell you all that you are doing wrong with your parenting, I'd advise keeping your binky, potty training, tantrum control, nap, advice to yourself! I'll let my kid keep her binky till I see fit and you can let your tween wear those sweatpants that say "JUICY" across her butt and I won't say a word...DEAL?
Mother bear in the house today. ggrrrrrrrr!
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There are many things that Emersyn does, understands and says that are beyond her two years on this planet. The other day we were at a restaurant and she saw a box of Goldfish crackers in a woman's diaper bag. She pointed to the box and said "Goldfish!" Cody and Skylar and I all looked at each other and then her, we have never owned Goldfish crackers---ever?! The kids were both totally freaked out. We are convinced she can read.
So back to the binky. A friend of mine Facebook messaged me the other day complaining about "well meaning" people that LOVE to tell you what to do with your kids, especially when it comes to things like binkys! What is it about the binky that offends? What is it about the age of two that seems to be a marking point for the end of the binky? What is it about people that they feel this is a topic that is ok for them to weigh in on?
I know that I should have ditched Emersyn's binky at exactly 18 months. It was AFTER 18 months that she then became attached. Now she loves it. If she gets hurt or is upset, she yells "binnnnkkkyyyy!!!" Cody and I were laughing yesterday about it. I told him, "she is mad, and might as well be yelling--cigarette mom!!!" Is it that the binky is an oral thing, that upsets people, or is it that they truly feel that this kid is going to go to prom with a binky?
I know that I gave ALL my kids binkys because I didn't want them to suck their thumbs. Trust me, it is wayyy more difficult to get rid of a thumb than a binky! I PERSONALLY know three ADULTS that still suck their thumbs or fingers and I know a few more that went through painful, difficult times quitting the thumb as teens! Maybe we could just cut off their thumbs?
I know parents that have used hot sauce, pepper and sharp, metal spikes orthodontically placed in their kid's mouth to get them to stop sucking their thumbs. NO, I AM NOT KIDDING! Tell me the last time you heard about someone having to do that to get rid of a binky?
I'LL TAKE A BINKY TILL 2 OVER A 40 YEAR OLD THUMB-SUCKER ANY DAY...but that's me!
My dad has told me stories about grown men in his office over the years that he has caught with their thumbs or fingers in their mouths while helping my dad come up with a defense for a murder, rape or theft! Thumb sucking doesn't stop because you are a rough and tough criminal. A habit is a habit!
Cody had his binky for at least two years, Skylar gave hers up earlier and Emersyn is still going strong with hers, but it will go soon. Thing is, if you see a child with a binky and the mother doesn't walk up to you and ask "What do you think about my child having a binky still?" That mother doesn't want you opinion AT ALL!
So unless you want that mother (me or my FB friend) to walk up to you and tell you all that you are doing wrong with your parenting, I'd advise keeping your binky, potty training, tantrum control, nap, advice to yourself! I'll let my kid keep her binky till I see fit and you can let your tween wear those sweatpants that say "JUICY" across her butt and I won't say a word...DEAL?
Mother bear in the house today. ggrrrrrrrr!
Like what you read today? Post it to your Facebook page so everyone can read it! Click below to share!
she won't be scarred. all my kids were "baba" binky kids and they all gave them up at different times. last one still has one at 4 during the night. we plan to give hers to the princesses this winter. habit or security... I rather have a binky sucker than a biter.. i bet she'll do fine :)
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