Cheburashka refers to this day as "Love Day." Yesterday she gave me a big red heart made at pre-k. Today, she gave me a migraine.
In a nutshell, my little darling: emptied a bookshelf while I washed dishes, put Baby Kitty in a headlock, pitched a fit in the street on our way shopping (we turned around and went home), after I let her talk me into a detour to the playground on our second attempt at shopping, she refused to leave and did that irritating 'go completely limp' thing when I took her hand, slugged me when I carried her out of the park, dug her nails into my hand and drew blood when I finally set her down. All this while I'm still sick.
I know she's reacting to me telling her yesterday that I was sick and couldn't really do much. I didn't have anyone I could call to step in and watch her. When she saw th eblood on my hand she got really upset, and apologized for the rest of the day, but that didn't keep me from putting her on lockdown. All her attempts to make up with me were met with a steely look and a yeah, ok. I know she's just a child, and she's making up in the way that she can, but part of me is still thinking, 'this a human being who pissed you off,' and I can't help treating her as such. Nowhere near how I would treat an adult, but still.... I guess as a mother, I can't be on point all the time.
As you can imagine, there was no time for knitting today. I am so all over that half-price chocolate tomorrow.
Oy. Yeah; easy enough to 'understand' why kids act out, less easy to respond without taking it just a little personally (especially when you're sick!) 'Time-outs' are good for EVERYONE, though it's probably tough for both of you right now, I'm sure all will be fine soon enough. At 15 months, Martin is just starting to flirt with tantrums; still easy enough to distract him, but for how much longer? Hang in there - - there's chocolate at the end of the tunnel!
Posted by: Mindy | Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 02:44 PM
Must be something in the air. My daughter was working my nerves all day. This too shall pass.
Posted by: Jeanine | Sunday, February 15, 2004 at 11:00 PM
It's called child-rearing but it should be called child-civilizing. I hope you've had some peace since your post.
Your Banff sweater is gorgeous, I was wondering if the cuffs feel like they will stretch out with wear?
Posted by: Debra | Monday, February 16, 2004 at 12:35 PM
good for you Mama...Cheb needs to know that her behaviour was not acceptable-even tough she apoligized. Take care
Posted by: Sandra | Monday, February 16, 2004 at 04:04 PM
You know I'm right there with you.
Posted by: RedHeadDread | Monday, February 16, 2004 at 04:50 PM
It's good for kids to know that their parents are people who have feelings,too, and that they can't treat them like personal punching bags. How will they learn to treat othe people nicely if they aren't expected to treat their family that way? Don't feel bad that you didn't instantly forgive her; naturally your feelings are hurt and perhaps she'll think twice (okay, one more nanosecond) before bratting out on you again. I imagine it's better to start explaining the rules from the start, you know?
Posted by: Gwyn | Monday, February 16, 2004 at 06:22 PM
Thanks everyone. I don't know how long this phase will last, but we'll get through it. I guess.
Debra: I've been wearing the cuffs folded and hey don't seem like they'll stretch at all (unlike my Kureyon raglan, which seems to have lengthen a bit on me).
Posted by: Iris | Monday, February 16, 2004 at 11:52 PM
More power to you! This too shall pass.
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