Teaka is always around my nieces. Caitlin will be 3 and Isabelle just turned 1. They are always supervised. I find Teaka to be more defensive if I hold her, so normally I leave them be. Caitlin is more intersted in "auntie" (me) or her grandparents than Teaka. Isabelle on the other hand loves Teaka. She giggles when Teaka licks her face. However I tell both of my nieces "Be nice to Teaka" and Caitlin will stroke her gently. Isabelle will cup Teakas face in her hands and Teaka will lick her, and Isabelle will giggle. Normally they get along very well. Usually I have to discipline Teaka to leave the kids alone. She loves them!
Sometimes Teaka will become snappy though. Especially if she is on my father, and the girls come up to my him to cuddle. Teaka gets defensive. "This is my dad! Get away" (growl Growl growl, snap) Thats when Teaka gets put in a bedroom. There is no hitting involved. Never.
I love my nieces, but it is not my job to discipline them. I never smack them. If they ever did something to Teaka, I would say "Caitlin (or Isabelle) NO!" and take Teaka away. Then proceed to tell my sister what happened. Usually my sister is very good as disciplining her children. I only trust Teaka with certain people.
Its my responsibility to make sure Teaka doesn't hurt anyone, and that no one hurts Teaka in the process.
__________________ My little dog, a heartbeat at my feet.  ~* Teaka*~ |