There are times in parenthood where you feel like you are in a storm. An awful storm with tornadoes and no electricity. Where everything around you seems to be failing and you feel helpless.
I am in that storm and it stormed all weekend.
It continued to storm yesterday, hence no Monday post.
Jack spent the weekend refusing to eat because he only wanted chocolate. He refused to sleep until it was 5 pm and then too late for a nap. Once I did let him sleep he would sleep a few hours and then wake in the night ready to take on the world. He refused to pick up his toys. He dumped a bowl of cereal into the floor because it wasn't chocolate. He would not sit in time out. He stood firm, arms crossed, game face on, shouting no.
It has been 3 days of this and last night at 2 am there were no signs of it getting better.
Yesterday I took all candy products and dumped them into a bag and hid them. No more chocolate and no more sugar will be given or seen for the time being.
When he got home from school yesterday, we skipped the snack and did early supper. He ate, not a lot, but he ate.
I know this will pass. Mama is just tired.
In an effort to give both of us a break (being stubborn is very tiresome for a three year old) I decided to let him play outside, even if it was a muddy mess.
Doesn't this face say it all!
I have to remind myself that this whole growing up isn't easy. He doesn't understand why he can't eat chocolate all day. He doesn't understand why it is important to take care of our toys. He doesn't understand why waking up at 2 am isn't standard. Learning isn't easy and neither is teaching. We'll weather this. He'll learn that Mama isn't giving in and knows what is best and Mama will learn she is stronger than she thinks.
Oh, don't you wish we could all eat chocolate all day long every day!!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great! Being a mom is not for the fainthearted!
I came over on Tuesday Talk today, and I'm glad to find your post.
I hope the "weather" at your house gets much nicer today!
Praying that God will give you creativity and strength!
Blessings,
Melanie
Hang in there! We're having a rough week, too. Lots of tantrums, meltdowns and irrational toddler drama. Adorable one minute and a hot mess the next. So I feel your pain and hope it passes quickly. We've just got to stick to our guns and keep up their routines. Toddler life is hard :)
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. I have those weeks too. Good for you to take a step back and evaluate the situation. And give yourself a break. Blessings to you and that sweet boy. Thank you for sharing on the Faith Filled Parenting LinkUp.
ReplyDeleteOh, we have had many, many days like this--weeks even--and I know there are many more to come. It does get exhausting and can make you question your ability to parent, but you'll get through and become a little stronger and a little wiser each time! Keep your chin up, the storm will pass soon!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us at #MommyMeetupMondays!