Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Medieval torture devices: Which one is right for your toddler?

This "timeout" thing is not working. My two year old simply enjoys it too much. Yesterday while in timeout, she reenacted a whole play using her hands as puppets. When I told her that her timeout was over, she gleefully informed me that she was "not done yet". Other times, she sings Old MacDonald at the top of her lungs thereby making timeouts far more torture for me.

I need to up my game in parental diciplanary action. I need a toddler version of the pillory and stocks.

The pillory (shown above) was a wooden frame usually mounted on a post where the criminal would place their head and hands through the holes. Sometimes the offender's ears were cut off and nailed to it as a public service announcement to all the village hoodlums. Crimes that could get you in the pillory included libel, cheating, stealing, forging, vandalism and even selling underweight bread or bad meat. (If you had ever had food poisoning then this seems like an appropriate punishment.) 

I used to think the pillory and stocks were the same thing, but there is a distinction. The stocks (shown above) were a wooden frame with holes for the ankles. Clearly, you can see that this medieval torture device is not going to put an end to hand puppet plays. I recommend the pillory for your toddler.

4 comments:

Vicky Alvear Shecter said...

Too cute--I remember those days. However, it looks like the pillory would not necessarily stop the puppet shows, she just wouldn't be able to LOOK at her hands. As for me. I'll take either--for me. I've got a driving 16 yr old boy and a very intense 12 yr old girl. I could a lot of books in the stocks...

Cara said...

Great idea... I could just see my little guy with his head and hands hanging out. Time outs don't seem to phase him either. I usually try and set him somewhere secluded. It's not so much about punishing him as it is about giving me time to catch my breath and restore my patience.

Bearded Lady said...

You guys are obviously better at medieval torture devices than me. but those time outs are pretty useless.

Leah Marie Brown said...

I have been so busy with my impending move to Alaska, that I have not had time to indulge in the finer things in life (like reading your blog). I am so glad I carved out some time today to catch up. More great posts!