Today was one of those unforgettable days, the kind that sticks in your mind but feels like it will never end. It all began at 5:30 a.m. when my three-year-old, whom I affectionately refer to as my “mini tornado,” woke up much too early. She had been feeling under the weather and insisted on coloring, igniting the first skirmish of the day—before the sun even rose and definitely before I had my morning coffee.
“They’re right in front of you on the table, sweetie!” I called out, only to be met with a whiny retort that made me want to pull my hair out: “But my legs are soooo tired. Bring them to me!” Yeah, not happening.
After twenty long minutes, her tantrum subsided, and I successfully tuned out the chaos. It’s liberating to refrain from reacting when the little ones are pulling at your shirt. Ironically, she could muster the energy to shout and tug on me, yet her legs were too fatigued to reach for those crayons.
Then came the turn of our six-year-old, who was equally irritable. She had concerns about me possibly leaving town for a vacation. My mother, who usually looks after the kids, had recently been hospitalized with pneumonia, leaving our family situation a bit shaky. “I don’t want you to go! I don’t want to go to art camp. I just want to be with you!” she wailed.
After breakfast, I sensed another meltdown brewing. It started with the outfit I chose, then the braids I had styled, and finally culminated in a bathroom fiasco. “Why aren’t you helping me?!” she shrieked, blaming me for her struggles. Everything is mom’s fault, if you didn’t already know.
In my most soothing voice, I replied, “Oh, I’m sorry, honey! Just push it out, push, push!” She wasn’t impressed. “I’m not going to camp!”
I calmly tried to encourage her with some positive self-talk, knowing she needed reassurance. But after a few minutes, I reached my limit and said a little prayer: “Please give me the strength to remain calm today.”
That’s when the chaos hit its peak. I brought her some apple juice enriched with probiotics to ease her tummy, and in response, she knocked it out of my hands. Anger surged through me, and I felt the urge to yell “Noooo!!!” But instead, I resolved to remain composed.
“I understand you’re sad, frustrated, angry, and tired, and it’s okay to feel that way. But it’s not alright to behave like this. Please clean it up and get ready now,” I said through gritted teeth.
Just a mere ten hours earlier, I had called my partner to cancel our long-awaited weekend getaway—his birthday trip and our first chance to be alone in two years. Guilt washed over me as I worried the kids would struggle without my mother’s support. But what these little rascals didn’t realize was that their behavior fueled my resolve. It reminded me how essential it is for parents to take a break, and I became motivated to make that trip happen, no matter what.
Ultimately, my daughter attended art camp, albeit reluctantly, but surprisingly enjoyed her day. I gleaned some important insights from our morning chaos.
No matter how cranky they are, they can’t ruin my day unless I let them. Change can be difficult, but we can all get through it. While routines are generally comforting, sometimes you just need to embrace something new. And it’s perfectly acceptable for Mommy and Daddy to not be present every second of the day.
Unfortunately, our trip had to be postponed, and my dreams of a glamorous escape will have to wait. But now I feel rejuvenated and equipped with new strategies to handle their outbursts. Let’s hope I can remember this when they inevitably push my buttons again—probably tomorrow when I serve pancakes instead of waffles for breakfast.
Anyone interested in babysitting?
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Summary
Parenting can be a rollercoaster ride filled with early morning tantrums and unexpected meltdowns. It’s essential to remain calm and composed while navigating these challenges. Children need reassurance and positive reinforcement, and sometimes, stepping back can be the best approach. Although plans may change, keeping a positive mindset and seeking support can make all the difference in the chaotic world of parenting.