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.
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?
I threw a temper tantrum with my oldest child when she was about 2 years old.
ReplyDeleteOf course this tantrum was a result of what she "couldn't" have. She fell out, cried loudly, yelled at me and some other stuff.
I gave her a few seconds then I fell out, "cried loudly," and yelled at her that I'd said no!
She looked over at me from her position on the floor, got up, and just looked at me, (as did some customers)!
She has not thrown a temper tantrum since.
smooches,
Larie
Girl I have learned these things: No going anywhere unless the kid is well rested, fed and never ever attempt to stay out long enough to interfere with nap time. Done!
ReplyDeleteAl and I both come from the school that spankings (not beatings *lol*) are reserved for times like this. I definitely don't think I could ignore public embarrassment. I've seen this kind of show being played out and always thought to myself "oh no! That couldn't be me". However, Kali has me wrapped around her little finger and I can't imagine hitting her out of anger. That said, when it does happen to me (and I know it will) I pray that I will have enough control to sit back and analyze the situation like you. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI had to learn to be willing to ditch a shopping trip when Gabe was in a mood. There were a few times I had to pick him up off the floor and carry him screaming from the store. He learned after a short time.
ReplyDeleteThe same thing happened to me with Christopher and like you he gave me hints but I really needed to go to the fabric store. I had an order. I picked him up from school and told him where were going and his face turned rotten. I ignored the signs and when we were in the store he showed me how much he didn't want to be there. That was the day he lost his luvie because he threw it on the floor several times, the 3rd time was enough and I grabbed it up without him seeing and never gave him back. He did fall asleep on the drive home too. Later we had a talk and he told me he hates the store.
ReplyDeleteNice to know.
So very true! I hate when things like that happen but hey, that's how we learn! p.s. I love how Gracen just slept through the whole thing...at least she wasn't cranky too!!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm learning to let things go. A little. Everything doesn't have to be a battle. I've also learned to anticipate, that helps some, but you just really never know what you're gonna get with kids.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad, I've yet to meet a perfect parent. I've often felt bad for some of the ways I've handled things too.
Most folks think spanking is the first thing you do when they act lie that, but that's just a knee jerk reaction. You stayed calm and did the right thing.