Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

Nano and Jett - Lesson Learned!

Anybody got a toddler going through that period of time we lovingly call the “Terrific Twos”? If you do, then you will identify.

Jett is officially a two old toddler—equipped with the newfound ability to throw himself on the floor at any given time and proceed to scream, cry and look out of the corner of his eye to see…is it getting him what he wants? If not….continue until the adult gives up in desperation or embarrassment and gives in to the toddler. It’s as old as the hills: that old bait and switch gimmick; show up as a cute, lovable two year old and…in an instant, switch that child out with a screaming, kicking, crying, yelling two year old—hence the term “terrible twos!”

The only thing Jett doesn’t know?? It’s not my first trip to the rodeo! Nah… I came equipped with the one thing Jett wasn’t counting on—experience!

And I could see it coming a mile away—the ol’ power struggle to see…whose gonna win this battle for power?

My grandson didn’t have a chance—but, he didn’t know that—YET!

POINTS2PONDER Why do parents forget that they are the one in charge? Since when does a child rule the house?

So… you guessed it! Jett chose to throw down the gauntlet, in this case-- his body, in a public setting (of course!) On a Saturday morning in Splittsville, the restaurant that doubles as a bowling alley, my grandson decided that he wanted to bowl…with another family!

Yep! He saw this nice family minding their own business, laughing and sharing family time, unaware that they were about to encounter the wrath of a two year old. I saw my grandson as he slowly made his way toward them, not heeding my calm authoritative repeat of his name: Jett! Jett!

Nope, that wasn’t working. He decided he would just assume the position; around their bowling balls, attempting to pick one up—don’t worry! I got there in time to extrapolate my grandson from the bowling balls. Then came the look! You know the look, but it’s the first time I’ve gotten that look from Jett.

I am known in our family as “NanoYES!” I never have to tell him No—that’s what Nana’s there for—she plays the bad guy, so I don’t have to!

Thanks Nana… you would have to be in the restroom when this all transpired!

So… back to the look! He is aghast that I have pulled him from the bowling balls. He did NOT expect that from Nano!

Then he realizes…”this is where I pull out my bait and switch”…out goes the cute kid, in comes the tantrum!

And he throws himself on the ground, screaming “NO!” Kicking and crying! 0 to 60 in 10 seconds..

Then I see it…that glance! To see if he is getting his way, or…should he continue another 10 seconds?

I look at him; he looks at me; so starts the age old battle for power between parent and child!

He waits and stops for a moment, lifting his head to see… what’s “NanoYES” going to do?

And then I do what I think every parent should do in this situation—

I start to laugh! Full outrageous, laugh out loud, side splitting, knee slapping laughter!

Jett doesn’t know what to do… I keep laughing!

He looks up and realizes—he’s not getting that bowling ball!

I pick him up, give him a kiss and say, “Now that’s my JettJett!”

And then-- I go rent us a bowling lane—he bowled two strikes!!!

Lesson Learned... for now!