I'm not a perfect mom.

As many of you know, DJ (age 5) had a tantrum in the grocery store line the other day. I sent out a text to the TRIBE to get some feedback on how they would respond if they were in my situation.  Needless to say, the consensus was to just BEAT HIM.  We all know that is NOT THE ANSWER!  LOL


I am very appreciative for all the supportive people out there that take time out of their day to provide insightful feedback and always brings a smile to my face when I'm feeling like I'm at my worst and failing tremendously at this thing called Parenting. 


I stopped short at this response:
Erica B. said...

My kids were really good with detecting my tone. I agree with 1969. I'd firmly grab that little arm and get right in their face. In a matter of fact tone, I would let them know that better cut that ish out. Kids act out in stores for a multitude of reasons. Primarily they're tired as hell. Just because you feel like shopping, the child may be ready for a nap.

ReplyNovember 16, 2009 at 03:04 PM

She hit the nail right on the head and once I had a chance to sit back and reflect on where exactly things got out of control, it hit me.  He did in fact give me a warning that he was not in the mood. When I picked him up from school, he said Mommy, I don't want to go to Winn Dixie, I want to go home.  Instead of just listening to that, I told him we would only be a few minutes because I had to run in and get a few things.  


When we were in the store, he asked for a pepperoni pizza.  HELLO!  We don't eat pepperoni pizza. I told him he could have a personal pan CHEESE pizza and I would cook it when we got home, then he had a fit.  He had an all out fit.  Threw the box out of the cart and said he wanted the BIG PIZZA BOX.


I took him out of the cart and told him to pick up the box BEFORE I tore his behind up.  And then the fireworks began. He picked the box up and threw it in the cart and then folded his arms and said he wants Daddy.  


Boy please!  I put him back in the cart and gritted my teeth and told him he better stop acting up.  By the time we got to the checkout counter, the performance began.  I STAYED CALM.  I IGNORED him the entire time.  The cashier was really nice and she winked at me and said that's right momma, just ignore him.  I read her eyes as if to say tear his behind up when you get out to the car! 


Well, needless to say by the time I got out to the car, put the groceries in the back of the car, he was in his carseat knocked out sleeping.  Maybe he knew I was going to have a 'talk' with him?  LOL


The boy was tired.  I felt awful because I was so upset over something that I could have avoided.  The boy was tired. 


Oh and just to let you know, Gracen was sleeping the entire time.  She decided not to be associated with either of us and closed her eyes and went to sleep.  HaHa!  


Note to self, go straight home after picking the boy up from preschool.  I can always go shopping BEFORE picking him up or send a text for Daddy to bring the stuff home on his way from work.  
Lesson Learned.


Question:  What lessons have you learned lately when dealing with your children? Do you have a support unit to call on when you feel that you're at the end of your rope?