Hey Kid, Your Tantrums Won’t Break Me

home insemination Kit

Ah, today was one for the record books – you know, the kind of day that you’ll reminisce about for years but can’t wait to put behind you.

It all began at the ungodly hour of 5:30 a.m. when my little “threenager” decided it was time to rise and shine. She had been under the weather and wanted to color. This was where the first skirmish erupted—way before the sun peeked through the curtains and before I’d had a single sip of coffee. Over crayons.

“They’re right in front of you on the table, sweetie!” I cheerily suggested. What followed was that whiny tone that makes you feel like you’re about to lose your mind: “But my legs are soooo tired. Bring them to me!” Uh, no chance, kiddo.

Twenty minutes later, the epic showdown concluded, and I’d managed to ignore every melodramatic moment. It’s oddly liberating to not engage when they’re pulling at you. Funny how she could muster the energy to throw a fit but couldn’t stretch those little legs to grab the crayons.

Next up was our 6-year-old, who was also in a bit of a funk. She was worried that I might leave town for a vacation. My mom, who typically looks after the kids, had just been released from the hospital after a bout with pneumonia, so things felt uncertain—definitely not the best news for our sensitive girl. “I don’t want you to go! I don’t want to go to art camp; I just want to be with you all day! Baa wah wah!”

After breakfast, I could sense another meltdown brewing. It erupted over my choice of clothes, the braids I attempted that weren’t tight enough, and, of course, the infamous poop fiasco. “Why aren’t you encouraging me to get it out?!” she hollered. Apparently, everything is mom’s fault.

In the sweetest voice I could muster, I replied, “Oh, I’m sorry, darling! Just push the poop out, push, push the poop out! Did that help?”

“No, I’m not going to camp!” she insisted. I calmly reassured her about positive self-talk, knowing she needed a little love and attention. But after a few minutes, I realized I needed a time-out myself, so I said a silent prayer: “Please, God, give me the strength to stay calm and not react today.”

And then it happened. I brought her some apple juice with probiotics to help her tummy, and when I handed it over, she knocked it out of my hands. My anger flared, and I felt the urge to yell “Noooo!!!” But instead, through clenched teeth, I vowed to remain composed.

“I know you’re sad, frustrated, angry, and tired, and it’s perfectly okay to feel those big emotions. But it’s not okay to use your hands like that. Now please, clean it up and get dressed.”

Just ten hours earlier, I had called my husband to cancel our trip—his birthday getaway and our first break together in almost two years. Guilt, sadness, and anxiety washed over me, especially with the kids. What those little rascals didn’t realize was that their behavior gave me the fortitude I needed. It served as a reminder that we absolutely need a break, motivating me to pursue that trip—no matter what.

In the end, she went to art camp, albeit reluctantly, but ended up having a blast. I learned some important lessons from my little ones that morning:

• No matter how grumpy you get, you can’t ruin my day unless I permit it.
• Change can be tough, but you will get through it.
• Just because routine is comforting doesn’t mean you can’t embrace something new.
• And guess what? Mommy and Daddy won’t be around every second, and that’s perfectly okay.

Unfortunately, our trip had to be postponed, and my dreams of Sin City, fancy dinners, and sleeping in will have to wait. But at least now I have renewed energy and strategies for dealing with their meltdowns.

Let’s hope I remember this the next time they decide to throw a fit, which will probably be tomorrow when I serve pancakes instead of waffles for breakfast.

Anyone up for some babysitting?

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Summary: Today was a chaotic rollercoaster ride filled with toddler tantrums and parental challenges. Through patience and understanding, I learned that while children may test our limits, it’s crucial to maintain your composure. Embracing change can lead to growth, both for kids and parents alike.