I Feel Guilty!

IDEAS:
Tell him he can call Grandma or a relative to satisfy his talking cravings
OR
if you have a video camera, let him make documentaries of his daily activities - Something you will cherish years from now when you would give anything to hear his "little voice" again!!

I wouldn't tell him he shouldn't be talking that much. This can be a great thing down the road. Actor, politician, motivational speaker.....Just keep in mind that men that will share what is on their mind are rare! (Just think of how happy his future wife will be!) What a gift!!

Blessings! liz

Hey, B....

I wish I had some magical great advice on this one. I think all I can offer is sympathy and great big hug. It really is ok to tell him that you need some quiet time. Maybe you could set aside some time called "Chat with Mommy" (maybe during the 1yr old's nap) where he gets your undivided attention. Then you could tell him something like, "That sounds like a great story...maybe you could save it for Chat w/Mommy because I'm busy right now and I don't want to miss the details" or something like that.

Not that great... but it's all I can come up with.

Hopefully, there's a mommy out there that's had this problem and can be of better help.

Honestly, I think this is completely normal at this age!! My 5 year old just goes on and on, and quite honestly it drives me crazy!! Personally, I think socializing has worked the best. The more we are around other kids, the less he talks to me!! Oh yeah, in the car if he has earphones on (we used a portable CD player before we got a car with a built in system) it is wonderfully quiet!!

Like you, I feel terrible, so I do my best to deal with it. I keep reminding myself that in about 10 years he probably won't be talking to me much, so I need to enjoy it now!!

Sorry I don't have any advice. Try to remember this is not a permanent thing and will probably get better when he starts kindergarten this fall!!

I agree with Paula O, just kindly let him know that you need some quiet time and that you'll be happy to 'talk' with him later. Maybe start out with just a couple of minutes and work your way up to more and more. You could get him a 'special' timer and together you and he can set it for quiet time. And, do it before the talking starts building on your nerves so that you don't snap at him -- I know those puppy dog eyes all too well when my voice gets a little harsh.