I love kids.
Especially my own. I really do...but these past few days, I have had to remind myself what love means.
I have a gentle, loving and giggling boy.
I have a talkative and too smart for her age princess.
And I have an expressive 2 year old. She is a perfectionist from what I can tell. She likes fine details like Lego, Polly pockets and Light Brite. Her smile melts the room and her hugs are contagious and quite addicting...so what's the problem you ask?
She can have the Ultimate Throw Down (a harsher variation of the 'Temper Tantrum') like I have never seen. (OK, except a kid at a massive grocery store this past Saturday around noon. Here's the story, I ran into the store to pick up a few things, and as I walked though the doors, there were shrills from this child screaming on the top of his lungs from across the store...."I want the Spiderman toy!!!" My heart ached for this mother who was just trying to get a few things into her cart. Everyone in the whole store had ringing ears...and it's a huge store. I don't think I could have remained so calm if I was this child's mother...anyways, big tempers flaring.)
I have read about tempers, witnessed many of them but never quite experienced them myself until my 'precious' turned two 3 weeks ago. So here I am, mother of three, walking through her firsts' first. Yep, the Ultimate Throw Down!
I'd like to think it's helping my character grow, perhaps gray hair show, but I'm determined to handle what's been 'thrown' my way (for lack of a better word)! I can make excuses like she's is just starting to make sounds yet what she lacks in her words, she has in her understanding.
So each day I am dealing with this newness that God has placed in my life. Am I thankful? Yes! I am seeing a different side to parenting. So far, I am cool, collected and consistent. But I have realized I cannot stop learning. She is my responsibility. And yes, my ears tend to ring a lot. With this 'change of heart' or 'wills', I know I can help her to become loving and respectful.But not on my own strength, I am praying and trusting in God for wisdom! I'm reminded daily, hourly and moment to moment that "He cares for me" and I'm not alone.
9 comments:
Oh Andrea, that is so hard! Yes, definite character building in that!!!
'This too shall pass' is always a motto in my home when going through a tough phase (and then when saying that to myself I realize it usually ends up passing too quickly, anyway....)
Hope it gets easier for you!!
that is SO hard. i remember shiloh going through a rough patch once she turned about 2.5. ahhh. i was like, "who are you and where did my sweet little child go? I WANT HER BACK!"
may God give you wisdom...
Oh my dear...you know full well of my trials with BOTH of my kids in the area of 'ultimate throw downs' (love that term, by the way). So I am here for you when things get too frustrating.
Oh girl...I think we have all been there in some form or fashion. You are a wonderful mother and knowing that your strength and wisdom comes from the Lord--I know that your little one is being shaped into His image each and everyday more and more....
Sending big hugs and mommy understandings your way....
I know how you feel!! I was one of "those" people who said 'my kid will NEVER do that!!' HAHAHA
It's hard when the kids have a meltdown. I feel bad for them, because they must be so EXASPERATED!!! And then there goes Mama....I shudder at the memories of Joel at 2, but then whew! we made it and now he's a great boy. Thank you Lord!
Praying for you!
Andrea I hear where you are coming from totally, you see the lady with the boy screaming for a toy that could have been me seven years ago with my two year old back then. There were so many throw down moments more than I can remember and I thought this would never turn around but with a TONNE of patience and help from God my boy has started learning self control believe me there are still 'moments' they are different now but God will come through always!!
((((HUGS))))
I know all about strong willed believe me! Not always fun. But, if it can be guided in the right direction - amazing!!
Oh yes yes yes I know the feeling. Meltdowns can be trying. I'm sooooooo used to them by now. There was a point (point =2 month period) a few months ago where we were having about 10 a day, some lasted an hour, some needed 45 minutes of restraining. Silas was so violent to others and was diving head first into the floor. My goodness I'm not sure how I survived that. But they're phases and now we're in a happy phase so I'm enjoying every moment.
Hang in there!!
Post a Comment