Don't come crying to me

I think my child is going to be one of those boys that has to learn lessons the hard way.

Case in Point:

I was feeding him lunch Saturday. We were acting silly and having a good ole time. Jake (our dog...our large dog) was standing beside Lil Man's highchair. My sweet, loving (not so much!) child decides to start messing with Jake. He would hold out a piece of food, wait for Jake to come closer, and then jerk his hand back while laughing like a loon. This goes on for a few minutes. I can see that Jake is getting ready to pounce. (This has happened several times before. So...we all knew what was coming.) Lil Man does it more one time. Jake nips his fingers and takes the food.

My reaction: Nothing. Total straight face.

Lil Man's reaction: Looks at me. Pokes his lip out. His eyes water a little bit.

My reaction: "Don't look at me. You did it so don't cry about it now."

Lil Man's reaction: Looks at me. Looks at Jake. Gets "the LOOK" on his face and tries to hit Jake on the head.

My reaction: I turn my head so I can laugh.

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I all for loving and mothering on my child. I'm really not a cold-hearted mother, but I am a firm believer in letting him figure some things out on his own. This is a scenario that has played out several times. The first few times..... Lil Man would actually cry. I would comfort him and tell him it was ok but he couldn't do that to Jake. So now, he doesn't cry [grin] but tries to "get back" at Jake.

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My child is starting to show some temper. He is starting to hit when he doesn't get what he wants or his way. The Hubby and I are learning how to deal with this new behavior.. I firmly believe children should come with instruction manuals. :) Life would be so much easier.