January 16, 2001 - Tuesday
Sometimes it seems like the catchall rationalization for Harry's bad days, but we think he's teething again. Over the last couple of days he's been going through a mood of whininess. He's not been that way constantly, but enough to take notice and that, in and of itself seems indicative of teething. Besides, his mother has seen the hints of a sixth tooth.

Nowhere is Harry's displeasure more noticeable than in the car during our hour long commute. None of us really what's to be in the car for that time, but Harry's mother and I can at least weigh it against living in a newer, more comfortable house. For Harry it's just boring. The question for today's commute was how much we can actively discourage Harry from whimpering and whining. Of course, there's the possible pain of teethign to consider, but somehow it seems best for us to try discourage Harry's overly vocal dissection of his predicament. We certainly don't want to have a self-centered, whiny boy growing up and I'd think that starting that work now is healthy. Naturally, it's a little difficult since Harry may not understand either why we're stuck in the car or why we get upset with him. But, I don't know that we can do anything other than teach him. We can't be too harsh lest it make him outright cry, but like our other firm retorts when he goes too close to the fire or the CD rack, I think Harry can start learn to some limits of behavior in the car.


Comments, opinions?