Where’s the Reset Button?

In dealing with a two year old, a very stubborn red haired two year old, we enforce the “reset” method on a regular basis in our household.  Others may refer to it as a ‘time-out’ or a moment of reflection.

Call it what you will….it’s taking a forced break, like it or not.  For the most part, I love these and they do work!

In the ‘reset’ mode, we place my youngest daughter in her room and shut the door.  We do this after she shows acts of defiance, poor judgment or just plain mean stubbornness (like walking up to her sister to push her and take a toy from her, for example). She is safe in there and has space to move around.   She has toys in there and could sit there and read and just play if she wants to.  Instead she cries, kicks, pounds on the door, screams and  continues her tantrum.  She cannot yet open the door to let herself out thankfully (that will change most likely in a year or so).   She knows we are putting her in there for doing something wrong and she doesn’t like to be left alone for too long.  So we give her a few minutes to calm down and simply think about what she has done.

Some people may think this is silly to do with a two year old but it works well with mine.  She’s a smart cookie and she also has shown signs of knowing what is right from wrong while making bad choices.

So we give ourselves (both she the child, and us, the parents) a chance to ‘reset’ and try again.  Sometimes it may take several ‘resets’ but eventually our little girl to comes around.

The method takes practice and discipline.  It isn’t as easy as pressing a reset button on the TV or a red ‘Staples” button at your office desk.  You have to create your own reset technique and the suitable parenting environment that works best for you and your family.

Often I need that reset too as an adult in my mid-30’s.  When I find myself becoming irritable, stressed and impatient, I find an activity to reset my mind.  Most often for me, that reset involves performing yoga, writing or reading a book.  A quiet activity that takes my mind off the current situation and allows me to escape, breathe and relax from the daily routine makes such a positive difference in my attitude.

Do you have a reset feature in your life?  If so, what is it and does it help focus you and your loved ones better?

The good thing about a reset and any new day is that we can change things for the better.  We can continue to strive toward success and harmony in our lives at any point.  It’s never too late.