Hey friends,
Let me share something that hit me like a ton of bricks as a mom: my kid is the one that’s tough to like. Yup, that realization was a total game-changer for me. It’s when I started feeling a tinge of shame about my daughter’s behavior, and I began to question whether it was her personality or my parenting that was to blame.
This moment of clarity happened during what seemed like an ordinary playdate at our home with some good friends. My 5-year-old, Mia, and her 4-year-old buddy, Zoe, were zipping around the living room, playing tag. When Mia, who was “it,” couldn’t catch up, she plopped down and started pouting, shouting, “You have to slow down! I won’t play anymore if you don’t!” At that moment, I glanced at her friend, who was cheerful and easygoing, and it hit me: Mia is not the most likable kid out there.
This wasn’t a one-off incident. It’s a frequent occurrence. Whether she’s playing with her siblings or out in public, Mia is often the bossy one, throwing tantrums when things don’t go her way. I never thought I’d see the day when my child would be the one causing a scene in the store over something as trivial as a gymnastics leotard (which we don’t even do!). She’s often loud, demanding, and can be quite rude. It’s tough to navigate these situations, especially for someone like me who tends to be a people-pleaser. I want to be kind and considerate, but Mia’s behavior often makes that really hard.
People told me it would get better as she grew older, but honestly? It hasn’t. Now she just screams louder and uses bigger words. Watching her with her peers makes it painfully clear that my strong-willed little diva is different. I want to love and accept her for who she is, but I can’t help but wish she had a bit of that sweetness that other kids seem to have.
So, if you meet my little firecracker, I totally understand if you don’t like her. Sometimes, I don’t even like her! I’m her mom, and I love her deeply, but I also see the chaos she can create. I’ve witnessed her moments of pure sweetness, like when she gently pets our dog or whispers “I love you” to her baby brother. But those moments can feel overshadowed by her fiery spirit.
For those of you who spend time with her, you might experience her charming side—or you might just find yourself dodging her demands or trying to calm her down. I’m genuinely sorry for any trouble she causes. I’m working on it, and I hope she is too. On her better days, I see her trying to hold back her words, which gives me a glimmer of hope that she’ll grow into an incredible person one day.
But in the meantime, if your kids cross paths with her, don’t hesitate to teach them to stand their ground. They might even need to push back a little! Honestly, I think a little peer pressure could do Mia some good. She needs friends, but she also needs to learn that not everything revolves around her.
A mom can hope, right?
If you’re looking for more insights, check out our other blog posts here. And if you’re curious about home insemination options, CryoBaby’s at-home insemination kit is a fantastic resource. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit CCRM IVF’s blog.
In summary, parenting a spirited child can be overwhelming, but there’s hope and love in the chaos. I’m learning to navigate this rollercoaster, and I believe we’ll find our way.