Parenthood is often a rollercoaster ride filled with tears — and we’re not just referring to your own. The most undeniable truth when you have infants is that they cry. A lot. But toddlers, preschoolers, elementary school kids, and even teenagers can be just as prone to the waterworks. The reasons behind the tears may shift as they grow, but the crying and tantrums remain one of the less appealing (yet entirely expected) aspects of being a parent.
On the bright side, some of these outbursts can be downright amusing. In fact, they can be hilariously entertaining. Kids throw tantrums for reasons that can be both maddening and laugh-inducing. A great coping strategy is to find the humor in these situations. While it might be hard to see during the chaos, many of your child’s most memorable meltdowns are genuine comedic treasures. Just check out the witty parents on Twitter, who cleverly poke fun at this messy side of child-rearing as if it were their full-time job.
1. It’s surprisingly effective.
Even the most steadfast parents sometimes give in to the demands of their little ones. Toddlers have a remarkable ability to grasp that throwing a fit can yield results — especially when it comes to that one dirty Elsa sippy cup. “Oh fine, I’ll wash it, just stop screaming!”
2. A valid reason.
As you navigate the toddler years, you try to remind yourself that they will eventually outgrow the constant crying. But then there’s your overtired first grader at the kitchen table, completely overwhelmed by Common Core math. Tears are inevitable, and honestly, who could blame her?
3. Can party favors please disappear?
Enduring a chaotic birthday party can be exhausting, and when your child walks away with a bag of junk, it’s even worse. Disposing of these trinkets in secret is nearly impossible because kids have an uncanny ability to remember every single item. Why can’t they forget like they did when they were babies? Mastering object permanence can wait until middle school, right?
4. Moving is tough.
If you thought tantrums only began at age two, you’ve never seen a frustrated baby yearning for a toy just out of reach. The wrath of a baby who can’t move but desperately wants something is a force to be reckoned with.
5. It can be quite upsetting.
Sometimes it’s just a piece of toast that’s a tad overcooked. Other times, it’s about not receiving enough cheers after a successful potty trip. And then there are moments that are so absurd, you find yourself crying right along with them.
6. You’d cry too!
When faced with a meltdown, it’s important to push aside thoughts of messes and focus on your sobbing child. In the end, you might just find tears welling up in your own eyes.
7. It’s all the same.
Imagining the worst possible scenarios as you rush to your screaming child is quite the thrill. Will they be missing a limb, or did their favorite show not auto-play? The suspense is real!
8. Don’t pretend you wouldn’t do it.
Sometimes, you give in to a tantrum just to avoid public humiliation. But once you’re home alone, sweet revenge can be oh-so-satisfying. Literally, in this instance.
9. One wrong move and you’re late.
Navigating morning tantrums is like defusing a bomb. One misstep, and everything goes haywire. Good luck with that!
10. How dare you?!
Take a deep breath. And if that doesn’t help, maybe pour yourself a glass of wine.
This article was originally published on Feb. 18, 2016. For more insightful content, check out this other blog post.
In summary, parenting is a mix of laughter and tears. While kids can throw fits for the most trivial reasons, these moments often become funny memories. Embracing the humor in the chaos can make the challenging days much easier to bear.