Dear Disciplined Auntie,
This is a difficult transition for your nephew and for you. He must miss his father and not have an understanding of when he is coming back.
I suggest you make a weekly calendar with a picture for each day cut out of magazines that depicts what is happening everyday that pertains to him. It can be a photo of what is for dinner, where he is going (park, school, playground). Have him put a mark at the end of the day and talk to him about tomorrow's plan. Save these weekly pages...he may want to review them and they will be a great memento for him to review with his dad when he comes home.
I suggest you begin a sleep ritual, doing the same routine every night. As my grandkids say: "Bath, Books, Bed." Turn off all TV, devices, telephone, etc., and dim the lights.
Discipline should begin with listing the dos and don'ts - reviewed and posted on the fridge. When he breaks a rule, try to give him a consequence that is close in kind. Commend him for good behavior: "You were a good listener," "Good for you waiting patiently," etc.
When he acts up, have him sit down where he can see you, saying it is time to cool down and that he can get up when he is steady. If he quickly jumps up, ask him if he is steady. He probably won't be, so tell him again to sit down until he is steady and can play nicely.
Remember he has only been around for about 36 months, he is not in his own home, and he needs to get used to you. I suggest you read an early development book so your expectations are realistic and remember how lucky he is to have you as his Auntie.
Good luck,
Natalie Robinson Garfield
TheSenseConnection.wordpress.com
Photo: justtscott
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