Last weekend, my friend Lisa and her little boy, Jake, crashed at our place. Jake was a bit out of sorts—who wouldn’t be in a new environment? He cried, clung to her like a koala, and struggled to get to sleep. With no babyproofing left in our house, especially for the stairs, it felt like a mini-minefield. We’d gotten rid of baby gates ages ago, and boy, did we regret that choice.
As the weekend progressed, Lisa became increasingly stressed about Jake’s “behavior.” She kept saying, “He’s usually not like this.” My husband and I tried to reassure her, saying, “No worries! We get it; we have kids too.” But you could tell she was really having a hard time letting it go.
Here’s the kicker: I genuinely enjoy it when other kids act out. Seriously. Whining, crying, screaming, and even that stubbornness—bring it on! (Though, I admit, I could do without the late-night wake-up calls.)
Why do I love it, you ask? Because, honestly, most of the time, it’s me feeling like Lisa—mortified that my kids are too loud, too wild, or just plain unruly. It’s a relief to see that my kids aren’t the only ones capable of throwing epic tantrums.
It’s a reminder that no one’s perfect, and other parents are likely feeling the same pressure I do. I often find myself comparing my kids to the polished versions I see on social media or during those picture-perfect gatherings. It’s good to remember that what you see on Facebook isn’t the full story.
So, my dear friend, when you have to keep jumping up to rescue Jake from climbing halfway up the stairs, I promise I’m not annoyed. In fact, I’m comforted. It’s nice to see that your little one isn’t the flawless angel I thought he was.
And don’t fret about Jake crying half the day. Remember how envious I was at our lunch date when your son snoozed peacefully in his carrier while mine decided to launch his food like a mini catapult? That jealousy has faded, trust me.
So please, spare me the apologies when your kid has a meltdown. When I see Jake throwing a fit, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. It reassures me that my kids aren’t the little monsters I sometimes think they are.
Let the tears flow, little guy. You’re helping lighten my load. And next time I’m in a similar situation with my kids, I might just feel a bit less embarrassed knowing that tantrums are part of the parenting experience.
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Summary:
When kids throw tantrums, it’s a reminder that parenting is tough for everyone. Instead of feeling embarrassed, embrace those moments because they show that no child is perfect. It’s all part of the journey, and seeing other kids act up can be a comforting reminder that you’re not alone in this chaotic parenting adventure.