The Stare

Over the past 6 years of being a mom, plus the 4 years of teaching public school, I have perfected "The Stare". It's that look that you give a child who is misbehaving (or thinking about misbehaving) that stops them in their tracks and makes them think twice about what they're doing.

And maybe shed a tear or two because you're scaring them.

I have enjoyed this skill and have used it many times over the years with a pretty high success rate. Garrett has almost always responded to The Stare. If for no other reason than he knows if he doesn't, there will be further consequences.

However.

However. There's a new kid in town. This kid has been the recipient of The Stare a few times over the past year or so, once the tantrums began. For the most part, it received the sought-after response.

Until recently. Recently, this new kid has decided The Stare doesn't bother him. When he's mid-fit or argument or rule-breaking and I whip out The Stare, he immediately stops what he's doing, smiles really big and starts laughing.

I don't quite know what to think about this response. Is it good that it makes him stop the problem? Or is it bad because he think it's funny rather than scary/a premonition of what's about to come if he doesn't stop it immediately?

Frankly, I'm at a loss as to what can be my new go-to move with Cooper.

Because obviously my current one just ain't cuttin' it.