Ahhhhh Tanya Byron in T2. Music to the ears of anyone with a boy or typical toddler in the toddler group/playgroup situation.

[foxinsocks]

fab article

You must read it. It's hysterical - great article.

I never said she was WRONG. I just said that she has contributed to the nation of over-analytical parents. Or ridden the back of the trend. That's all. I think she's great too, but just a little too smug sometimes...

Also, what is normal is not necessarily what is acceptable. So I agree with DR T B (let's not forget the 'Dr' bit) in suggesting ways of teaching that certain behaviour is anti-social and not allowing it to happen just because it is normal.

"For any acts of snatching and not sharing, a firm ?No? followed by two chances to give back or share and huge praise when it is done is the key. For a refusal to do so or an outright act of aggression, just deliver a very firm ?No?, take your son away from the group and hold him firmly so that he can?t join the fun. Look away and ignore his screams for a minute and then, making eye contact, tell him briefly why he was excluded and that he will be again if he doesn?t play nicely."

Oh yes...

"?Naughty? boys get such a hard time these days. I think boys are really discriminated against in terms of the expectations we have of them ? in the playgroup, the classroom and so on. Actually, I love naughty boys. I married one".

yes agree with marigold that she IS a contributor, she can't really argue otherwise (oh and the House of Tiny Tearaways was an awful idea, still rather love her though )

I was just reading that--Dr Tanya is fab.

I've been reading these posts thinking it was Tanya Bryer

Oh how I wish she's been with me on saturday when I was chasing ds1 round the garden centre when he refused to put his wellies back on and instead tore around the place in stockinged feet, screaming when I came near, grabbing hold of sharp pruning instruments... could have done with TB whispering in my ear "it's normal toddler behaviour...it's normal toddler behaviour" (rather than the disapproving glares of the assembled shoppers)

Nice article, I like her very much - but I bet it must be hard for her at playgroups - Blimey can you imagine how fascintaed you'd be if her son started kicking off ( well I would be anyway)

my son is normal, interesting and fun!

most sensible article I've read ina long time.