The other day, as we were getting ready for the day, I was exasperated with Leo’s tantrums and demands.
Leo! What are we going to do with you??? I said in total exhaustion.
From the table Natalie says to me “I know, Mom. We’re going to love him.”
That’s right. The only thing you can do, you love him.
So we went on with our day, to the Children’s Museum. It was a random day off school for Sophia, so we went to see the new exhibits.
We went all around the museum, saw the Mr Potato Head exhibit and the Lego exhibit, and had a blast.
After lunch we went to the Carousel and hall of Mirrors. We waited in line at the Carousel, and when it was our turn the girls went around the whole thing and missed their chance to get a horse that goes up and down. Natalie immediately threw a monster tantrum when I she realized they were all taken. I was all set to let her go another time, talk her through her bad behavior, then she hit me. I felt my face getting red, my heart racing. I took her off the horse, off the carosuel, and guided her out of the carousel area, while she screamed as loud as possible. I felt the looks of all 50 of the other guests watching me.
I found a corner, sat her in it, and every 30 seconds she would get up and try to hit me. But I kept my cool.
After the carousel was over, Sophia found me after her ride, and everyone else was getting off too. A woman came up to me and said “I want you to know, you’re a good mom.” Then I got emotional. It’s so hard to know that in the midst of your children acting….well, like children. I’m thankful to that woman for helping me through that afternoon. I’ve always been so worrisome about saying the wrong thing or something offensive, and I’m realizing more and more the value of simply saying something in these hard situations. “Thank you. I’m so excited to see you. You’re awesome. I know it’s hard, but it will get better. I’m so proud of you.” These words stick, I need to work on saying them more often.
After that emotional turmoil we went to scienceworks and played with the big rocks and wheelbarrows.
Love the museum, and love these kids. That’s all they really need, love.
2 comments:
I love, love, LOVE this post. It's so true. We moms need to support each other and let others know we're in the trenches together. Thanks for reminding me to speak up when I see something done well! BTW--I was thinking how amazing it was that you didn't at least talk to her through clenched teeth. :) That would have been my reaction. You handled the situation so well. Way to go!
Clenched teeth is me keeping my cool! I gave her the "listen up look" like I never have before. As long as I'm not yelling, and stomping my feet, I feel in control. :)
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