Stop The Presses
I have a beautiful post about why I write (many thanks to Deb for the inspiration) all prepared as well as some peculating in my head, however all of that will have to wait.
Yesterday, Becca had her first very public, very loud, very embarrassing (for us) temper tantrum. I know a lot of you are cursing me right now for not experiencing this phenomenon sooner. Yes maybe this was a long time coming. However, Becca has never been one to completely lose her cool in public (behind closed doors she has no problem expressing how she really feels). This was the first time in my short parenting life that I had to grin, pick up my screaming child, and leave the store.
Dinosaurs. The root of all evil.
There has been a lot of emotion bubbling inside that little girl. A lot of loss. A lot of heart ache. There has been a lot of joy, excitement, celebration and acceptance. I have been struggling to process it all. So has she. I should have seen it coming. There have been signs that it was all coming to an explosion. We have fought, struggled and made peace a lot the past few weeks. There are moments I have not liked her, always loving her, but not always liking her. Three is a tough age. Moving is tough. Moms are tough.
She survived.
We survived.
Tomorrow is another day … Today is another day … A fresh start … Let’s make it a good one.
You are such a great mom.
To know what your little girl is going through and what she needs to help her get through it all..
That little girl is one lucky little lady!!!!
Congrats on making it through the scene!
Tantrums can be SO hard, and every kid goes through them, really. It says nothing about Becca’s character or how well you’re parenting - it’s just normal. Normal and REALLY embarrassing! I don’t know how many times I’ve had to carry some squalling, furious kid out of a store, but we’ve all survived.
Ah, James is also not one for public temper tantrums. And let me reassure, that although after the first they may indeed occur again, they haven’t become habit around here.
Hugs and hang in.
We haven’t had a public one yet either (thanks to readily available snacks that always save our asses) but certainly aren’t looking forward to the day it inevitably happens!
Ah that is a hard one. It didn’t happened often with my kids when they were little . . . maybe once or twice. But sometimes all you can do is pick up the kid and walk out of the store. I feel your pain, but tomorrow is a new day.
Olivia is a very, very strong personality …. We’ve had 2 public meltdowns in the last 4 days. It is never pretty! And I find them so difficult, at times. Usually over not getting her own way …. eg. wanting a ride on one of those slot rides they have which children are drawn to like magnets …
I have tried time out at the mall, but it often encourages the meltdown to get into full swing, so if I see it coming (there are very indignant, definite signs!!) I bust a move out of there. If I’m too late - I’ve had to push the boy in the buggy while carrying her under one arm! There are times when I’ve been impressed with my own will and strength. Carrying a screaming, kicking little girl whilst remaining stone-faced and calm out of the mall is some feat.
I see others looking …. half sympathetic, some nodding, others with a “don’t mess with that mum” look.
Ahhhhh the joys of parenting. I love her soooooo much, but there are times when her behaviour can eat me up. But it’s all part of her discovery and redefining her boundaries!
You’re a wonderful Mama, Chelle!
Great optimism!!! Have you had any new adventures around the city?
Eeek! Sorry you had to experience that. I always feel bad for the parents of those kids in the store.
We’ve been extremely lucky with Nate and have never had to deal with any tantrums to date (knock on wood) inside or outside, but I’m sure our days of that are coming to an end as Emma gets bigger. That girl has a strong personality & I can see her throwing fits to get her way, ugh.
Anyways, Becca has had a lot to deal with lately, I’m glad you know how to handle things. It will get better
I’m sorry! It happens to the best of parents.
Gabi had quite a few last year when I was preggo. And I couldn’t even pick her up! I was so big and she is so heavy, that once I literally dragged her through the store to my husband and said “You take her!” I was even more angry at the rude looks people were giving me. Many times people act like the old saying “Children should be seen and not heard.” I was about to attack one woman. How dare she when my hormones are high from pregnancy and I’m funing with anger at Gabi dare to gawk at me with that nasty look on her face.
Deep breath. Okay, I’m over it now, really!
sorry to hear you experienced the first major in public tantrum from Becca! Sounds like you handled it the best way - just pick up and go home!