Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted one child and I wanted that one child to be a girl. When I turned 36 and the rabbit finally died, I was overjoyed. I had visions of this little mini-me running around all sassy and cute.
As with most “advanced maternal age” pregnant women, it was recommended that I take a whole slew of tests, one ofthese tests was a level three ultrasound. Thanks to this high-powered machine, I found out quite early that I was having a boy. A boy! I literally cried when I was told there would be no mini-me. But over the years I have become quite fond of the little tyke.
One thing I was told early on is that, “at least he won’t talk your head off.” I had read somewhere about a study that claimed little girls talk more than little boys and as a big girl I could attest to that fact. I recall vividly the many days I spent talking to no one in particular. I also recall how quiet my brothers, nephews and boys in general where, so I believed this statement was a fact.
Well, I don’t know why people say boys are less talkative because Tyler is an A-One chatterbox. His father says he didn’t “steal it” which is his smart way of saying Tyler talks a lot because I talk a lot (which isn’t the case at all, I’m really terribly shy). I have been trying to find ways to get him to stop talking so much. One of my sayings is, “Give your mouth a rest and my ears a break.” But generally he’ll just keep right on talking anyway. Do you have a chatterbox? Here are four ways to quiet them, according to the February 2007 issue of Parenting:
(1) Make a game of it— tell your child that a prize will be given to the person who can remain the quietest for a set period of time. Sometimes a short 10 minute break may be all you need.
(2) Give them some gum or a lollipop.
(3) You can go ahead and zone out. Just keep saying, “uh-huh” and “yes” a lot. Caution: this does not always work. I’ve tried it and Tyler will sometimes catch on and say, “Mama, are you listening to me?”
(4) Finally, just keep remembering that bedtime will soon come and you’ll finally get a break.
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