Arrrgh! What do you do to get a four-year-old to listen to you?!! I feel like I'm talking to a wall half the time. Tell Penny to stop running ahead - she keeps going. "Penny, you were too far ahead, why didn't you stop when I asked?" The explanation varies from day to day, but is something along the lines of she had something more important to do. When I try to talk to her about the importance of listening, she tells me to be quiet because she doesn't want to hear about it. Every day is a trial and some days I just don't feel like fighting and I totally cave, only to pay for it later with more intense fighting. Is it just being four or is it that my inability to control my temper for the past year or more is kicking me in the butt.
Paul is also entertaining. He's really fond of throwing tantrums. Meal time tantrums involve actual throwing - not sure how much food we've lost to high-velocity spatter versus him actually eating it. Leaving any location usually is a throwing himself on the floor and writhing event. I feel bad for the various bonks he's given himself by just going limp in all kinds of crazy locations. I know there's a phase where this happens, but gosh, I hope it goes away soon.
I'm just tired of having to deal with the two of them throwing simultaneous tantrums every day at mealtimes, when we go to school, come home, etc. Ought to get extra entertaining when cutie number three joins the fun.
3 comments:
{{Sandy}}.... mostly it sounds just like a normal 4 year old and little one. Your hormones and exhaustion probably make it worse. You want to add a third to this?! Lol! You'll love them to death and they will lead you to pulling your hair out slowly and painfully... it's the nature of being a parent.
Oh tantrum time. Don't worry, it eventually goes away. It takes much longer than you'd like, but it does eventually go away. Believe it or not adding a third child somehow makes things easier! Also, don't be too hard on yourself when you lose your temper. It happens! It's part of the process and they will learn your moods and your tolerances... the hard way, like all children. You are not alone. Find a way to laugh at how ridiculous their tantrums are, try to joke them/distract them out of it when you can. It doesn't always work. Find a friend who has kids too and laugh together as your kids embarrass you in public places. It helps to have an ally!
Please, I don't have to pull my hair out: they do it for me! That's Paul's way of telling me he doesn't like the choice I'm forcing him into. Ultimately, I'm planning on getting another drastic haircut to cut down on maintenance, but perhaps it will also reduce some of the grab-ability. Still working on getting an ally. For some reason, all the other moms bolt after dropoff at school. We'll get there eventually.
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