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The Struggles of Dealing with Overtired Kids
We were at the local Target, and while I can’t recall what we needed, I’ll never forget the scene: our little one, Mia, was leaning out of the shopping cart, her blonde pigtails bouncing as she howled. She wore a gray shirt adorned with a rainbow and had a binky in one hand while clenching another tightly in her mouth.
My partner, Sarah, was off in another section with our older kids, Ben and Lily, while I navigated the aisles with a visibly upset toddler, her eyes glistening with tears and a runny nose adding to the chaos. Mia had been awake since 3 a.m., all for the sake of watching her favorite show, Blue’s Clues. Now, at 3 p.m., both of us were exhausted, though I was managing to keep my cool a bit better than she was. We thought the drive to the store would help her settle down, but it was wishful thinking.
This overtiredness all started with numerous nighttime wake-ups. We tried eliminating her naps, but that only made things worse. It disrupted her sleep cycle, and now she found herself in a bizarre realm of sleep deprivation where she transformed from a cranky toddler into a little whirlwind of energy. This was the kind of tiredness that turned her into a screaming, delusional creature who simply couldn’t unwind. And here we were, in the middle of Target, with everyone around us witnessing the meltdown.
For those who haven’t experienced it, imagine a well-rested child as a number line—0 being fully rested and 10 being utterly exhausted. An overtired child? That’s an 11. It’s a mysterious territory that defies logic, science, or any amount of parental wisdom. The only remedy is sleep, but getting there can take an eternity once a child crosses over into that dreadful zone.
I tried everything to calm Mia down. I held her close, but she kicked and squirmed. I set her down, hoping she’d walk it off, but she plopped down on the floor, a little rag doll refusing to cooperate. I even offered candy, but that was met with a dismissive shove. Nothing seemed to work.
People around us began to stare, giving me those judgmental glances that every parent dreads when their child is throwing a tantrum. It’s as if they can’t fathom the chaos of parenting. I wanted to shout back, to explain that tired kids lose it and that staying home isn’t always an option, but my hands were tied—literally, with a tantruming toddler. When folks decide to judge, they rarely want to hear your side.
I decided to move to a quieter part of the store, contemplating petty revenge fantasies. I imagined how satisfying it would be to scribble “FART” in my son’s first car or to hide in my daughter’s pantry for some mischief. As Mia continued to scream, I daydreamed about the sweet moment in the future when I could wake her up at 3 a.m. and watch her struggle through the day like she used to. Not that I would ever actually do that, but it’s amusing to think about.
I eventually caught up with Sarah and the kids in the boys’ clothing aisle. She was picking out shirts for Ben, and as Mia reached for her mom, everything changed. Sarah lifted her up, and instantly, Mia quieted. She nestled into her mother’s shoulder and drifted off to sleep as if her mom was a magical sleep potion.
“What just happened?” I muttered, feeling a twinge of jealousy.
“She just needed Mommy,” Sarah replied with a shrug, and as she took Mia to the van, I was left feeling a mix of exhaustion and envy. Moms really do seem to have a special touch in these moments.
On the drive home, Mia slept peacefully, and I couldn’t help but think about the following day. I hoped she would return to a more regular sleep schedule, but deep down, I knew these overtired episodes were just part of the parenting journey—a rather challenging part at that.
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Summary
Dealing with overtired children can be a challenging experience for parents, often resulting in tantrums and frustration. This piece reflects on the relatable chaos of parenting, the judgment from others, and the unique bond between mothers and their children during tough moments. While the journey can be tough, it’s also filled with humorous thoughts of eventual payback and the hope for better sleep cycles.