“Of course not!” I would tell myself waaay back when before “Lord L” arrived in our lives. [sarcasm]I’m an educated and mature adult[/sarcasm]. Oh, how wrong I am. Today was particularly trying and I am happy to report that he got under my skin and I kept my cool. Of course, that’s what you are supposed to do as a parent. Sadly I fear the majority of parents don’t.
You see, this little man doesn’t like to sleep past 4:30AM or so and he gets pretty darned cranky by mid-day. Then he decides to make life harder and pass on nap time. Now it gets really fun. Dad-ee going out the door without Lord L? Time for a fit. Mom-ee going upstairs without Lord L? Time for major whining. Can’t have the frozen sweet potato fries to throw around in the supermarket? You don’t want to know.
The best thing to do is take mini-breaks away from the cantankerous tike. Even 10 minutes away will help you keep your cool. If you don’t have the help of someone in the home this is tough. Try distraction. Sticker books, blocks, TV. Anything that will get you some quiet to collect yourself and down a glass of water or something.
Remember, they just can’t help themselves and they aren’t trying to piss you off. It’s a side effect that you have to deal with.
Happy parenting!
