I went to the park with my friend who was disciplining my child...

[myfunnybunch]

We had a lovely time.

Thank you to those who offered your words and support. Venting here helped me to get some perspective and get it off my chest so that I could think clearly about the problem instead of dwelling and stewing. You all are such a great sounding board.

I had thought of addressing the situation directly, but decided to call it by ear, wait to see what would come up. We had a great relaxing time at the park. It was so nice to spend time together. We had an interesting conversation about parenting in general. The children played very nicely. My friend greeted my ds with genuine warmth and welcome.

I did not bring up the discipline issue because I decided I'd wait until it happened again and address it at that time--I think that will be a more natural way to approach it. It will be easier to say in the moment that it's confusing to my son, and I'd rather deal with it.

The other thing that I did today was....positive intervention?....I made sure to speak about ds in a very positive way (I don't speak of him negatively anyway, just made a point to talk him up a little) and as the subject of what pushes our mommy buttons came up in our conversation, I talked a little about what it's like to try to parent noisy excitable children without squashing their passion and enthusiasm.

I hope it works. And I came away from our park day really trusting our friendship and knowing that even if it does come down to the difficult conversation that we'll be able to speak to one another in the spirit of friendship.

Thanks again for helping me get it sorted out.

Cat

[Momto4kids]

We had a lovely time.

Thank you to those who offered your words and support. Venting here helped me to get some perspective and get it off my chest so that I could think clearly about the problem instead of dwelling and stewing. You all are such a great sounding board.

I had thought of addressing the situation directly, but decided to call it by ear, wait to see what would come up. We had a great relaxing time at the park. It was so nice to spend time together. We had an interesting conversation about parenting in general. The children played very nicely. My friend greeted my ds with genuine warmth and welcome.

I did not bring up the discipline issue because I decided I'd wait until it happened again and address it at that time--I think that will be a more natural way to approach it. It will be easier to say in the moment that it's confusing to my son, and I'd rather deal with it.

The other thing that I did today was....positive intervention?....I made sure to speak about ds in a very positive way (I don't speak of him negatively anyway, just made a point to talk him up a little) and as the subject of what pushes our mommy buttons came up in our conversation, I talked a little about what it's like to try to parent noisy excitable children without squashing their passion and enthusiasm.

I hope it works. And I came away from our park day really trusting our friendship and knowing that even if it does come down to the difficult conversation that we'll be able to speak to one another in the spirit of friendship.

Thanks again for helping me get it sorted out.

Cat


Wow Cat! I read your original thread and really felt for your situation but didn't have any words of wisdom as I had not been in a similar situation myself. I am so glad you guys had a good time! You seem like a thoughtful, caring, loyal friend. :grouphug:

[gandpsmommy]

I'm glad you were able to come to a decision that you feel good about, and that you had such a great time with your friend today. You sound like such a thoughtful, genuine, sensitive friend!

[sdWTMer]

That's really super. I think that you did awesome handling it the way that you did! Good luck the next time!

[nmoira]

I'm glad things are working out. :)