Superpowers

            

          We were at the playground a couple weeks ago when I heard my 2-year old whining. Now, I consider it a gift being able to tune out the incessant nasal-whimper that inevitably comes with turning 2, but when we’re out in public I generally try to look like a concerned, doting mother. So I glanced up to find out what was ailing Michael. My blood immediately started to boil when I saw some punk kid push him down the slide. While I try not to make a habit of yelling at other people’s kids, I was willing to make an exception that day. I didn’t make it two steps, however, before Charlotte was giving that kid the biggest tongue-lashing a 4-year old could muster. No one hurts her little brother!! (Except her). I stood nearby but didn’t intervene. I was so proud in that moment. I’m only sorry I didn’t have a bowl of popcorn so I could enjoy the show. She finished her tirade and I was about to sit back down when I see her cock her arm back, fist clenched. I don’t know why my first thought was She wouldn’t dare, because she is her mother’s daughter, and I wouldn’t expect anything less.

            Before I could get there, however, her tiny little fist of fury flew into that unsuspecting kid’s eye. Of course I made her apologize to the little boy, but I was just so proud of her for protecting her little brother. We did sit down and have a little chat immediately following the incident, and when I asked her why she hit him, she said, “I was just using my superpowers!” I couldn’t help but smile. The mind of a 4-year old is a funny thing. In the end we came up with a new plan should this situation present itself again—maybe use a different superpower? I was really thinking: How do you say, “You shouldn’t hit people, but way to go, girl!” to a 4 year old? What a conflicting message. I guess I’m just going to apologize in advance to any kids Charlotte may harm in the future, because if I have to choose which is more important: standing up for family or playing nice with other kids, family will win every time. I assume this is just the first of many tough conversations to come...

Just Another Day in Paradise

It was a beautiful day—sun shining, birds chirping, kids screaming. And by ‘screaming’ I mean the kind of full-blown, blood-curling tantrum where you don’t even WANT to know what the neighbors must be thinking. The reason: my 4 year old didn't want to take a nap. AKA the world was ending. I had had enough. Shockingly, trying to reason with her wasn’t working, and none of my diversion techniques proved effective. I tried a new approach. I told her if she wanted to continue screaming that was fine with me…as long as she referred to me as “Your Majesty.” And so she did. Did that stop the tantrum? Absolutely not. But it was tolerable and much more enjoyable to hear, “ I DON’T WANT TO TAKE A NAP, YOUR MAJESTY!!!”

I’m a mom of three. Three kids under the age of four. Am I crazy? No, but there is a strong likelihood that I’m headed in that direction. One more episode of Dora just might do it. I’ve decided this blog is just going to be my outlet—a few minutes to share my own parenting thoughts, stories, woes. Mommy blogs always seem to be teaching some profound lesson. They are a great way for us to learn from others going through the same thing, yet I do not read (most of) them. Why? Maybe they make me feel inadequate. Maybe I disagree with them. Maybe it’s just because by the third kid I should know what I’m doing. Right? Well, as it turns out I’m still fairly clueless. The only difference in my maternal skills now versus when I was a new mom is my level of comfort knowing I’m not perfect. (and perhaps the amount of wine I drink). It’s strange to accept imperfection when I’ve always wanted to be the best at everything. Being the perfect mom just seems like too much work, though. Do you know how many mommy blogs, books, and pinterest boards it would take to achieve that goal? Who has time for that? For now, I’ll just try to do this whole parenting thing the old fashioned way—following my instincts and learning via trial and error. Weird concept, I know. So if you’d like to learn with me (or from my mistakes!), you’re more than welcome to join in on my fun! Follow the blog, comment, pray for my sanity and the well-being of my kids, whatever moves you.