Today was one of those unforgettable days—the kind you’ll look back on with a mix of exasperation and laughter, but can’t wait to put behind you.
It all kicked off at 5:30 a.m. when my three-year-old, Sophia, decided that early rising was the way to go. She had been feeling under the weather and wanted to engage in a coloring session. That’s when our first disagreement sparked—long before the sun had risen and before I even had my morning coffee. Over crayons.
“They’re right there on the table, sweetheart!” I said. She responded with that whiny tone that makes you feel like pulling your hair out: “But my legs are soooo tired. Bring them to me!” Oh, come on now, really?
Twenty minutes later, after ignoring her outburst, the storm passed. It was astonishing how she found the energy to yell and tug at my shirt but couldn’t muster the strength to reach for those crayons.
Next up was my six-year-old, Mia, who was also in a bit of a mood. She was worried that I might be leaving for a vacation soon. My mother, who usually takes care of the kids, had just gotten out of the hospital after battling pneumonia, leaving everything in a bit of disarray. “I don’t want you to leave. I don’t want to go to art camp, I just want to stay with you all day! Baa wah wah!”
After breakfast, I sensed another meltdown was brewing. It all started with the outfit I chose (it was apparently awful), then there was a fiasco over her braids not being tight enough, and finally, the ultimate crisis: “The poop won’t come out! Why aren’t you helping me?” she wailed. Apparently, everything is mom’s fault!
With the sweetest tone I could muster, I said, “Oh, I’m sorry, honey! Just push it out, push, push the poop out! Did that help?”
“No, I’m not going to camp!”
I gently tried to explain the importance of positive self-talk and reassured her that she would feel better soon. But after a few minutes, I needed a moment to regroup, so I said a quick prayer. “Please, God, grant me the strength to stay calm and not react today.”
That’s when things escalated. I brought her some apple juice with probiotics to help with her tummy troubles, and when I handed it to her, she swatted it out of my hand. I was seething with frustration and on the verge of yelling “Noooo!!!” but instead, I gritted my teeth and vowed once again to keep my cool.
“I understand you’re sad, frustrated, angry, and tired, and it’s OK to feel that way. It’s even better to cry and let it out. But it’s never acceptable to act out like this. Please clean up the mess and get dressed now.”
Just ten hours earlier, I had called my husband to cancel his birthday trip—a getaway we had been looking forward to for almost two years. I felt guilty and sad, worried that the kids would struggle, especially with my mom unable to help. I was once again prioritizing their needs over my own. Yet, strangely, their behavior fueled my determination; it reminded me how badly we need a break, motivating me to find a way to make that trip happen—no matter what!
In the end, Mia reluctantly went to art camp and actually had a great day. From this chaotic morning, I learned some essential lessons. Your mood doesn’t have to dictate my day unless I allow it. Change can be tough, but we will overcome it. While routine and stability are often ideal, sometimes it’s necessary to shake things up a bit. And parents don’t need to be present every moment—that’s perfectly fine.
Unfortunately, our trip is still on hold, and my dreams of a vacation filled with fancy dinners and sleeping in will have to wait. However, I now feel more prepared to handle their outbursts in the future. Let’s hope I can keep this in mind the next time they act up, which will probably be tomorrow when I make pancakes instead of waffles for breakfast.
Anyone up for some babysitting?
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In summary, parenting can be chaotic, but it also teaches us resilience and the importance of self-care. Each challenging moment is a chance to grow stronger, and with patience, we can navigate the ups and downs together.
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