Sometimes I have to crack down on Shane for things I really don't think I should have to (or want to) crack down on him for.
Example: Carrie is on the couch working with a cat near her or on her lap. Shane hops on the couch next to her in some manner. It may be to invade her space, spook the cat, or both. If the cat doesn't spook, Shane starts trying to lay his head on her or pet her through Carrie's arm as Carrie works.
This can really piss off Carrie. Especially after she's asked him nicely to stop multiple times and Shane keeps repeating the issue. Either he's ignoring or ignorant of what she's instructed and steam starts to billow from Carrie's ears as she does her best to stay cool as Shane keeps pressing her buttons over and over.
This is where I come in. Do I wait for Carrie to blow? Or do I do a preemptive correction at a lesser level?
Often, I step in.
It feels weird sending Shane to his room for putting his head on the cat.
In a perfect world, there would be something more proactive in place where Shane could get attention from Carrie before or after she finishes what she's working on, or Shane would be more understanding and patient about getting some attention.
It's not a perfect world, though. Shane will push until he gets in trouble and then be upset he's in trouble.
Parenting 101 - It's not going to go smoothly.
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