With her growing independence, has come an increase in tantrums and wanting her own way. Last night, she refused to eat her dinner and demanded a coco (cookie). When she didn't get what she wanted and couldn't get it herself, she threw a tantrum. Crocodile tears and all. My heart broke, but I knew I had to stand my ground.
I took Baby C out of her high chair, held her in my arms and did the one thing she loves to do best. I read to her. We read until her tears disappeared and she forgot all about that coco. Though it was extremely hard not to give in, I was proud of myself for finding another way to show her that I cared, and showed her that she can't have it her way, even though they are for reasons she can't yet understand.
Motherhood is a tough job (and a blessing). And sometimes we have to make difficult choices now that will help in the future. What challenges have you experienced with motherhood lately?
watch out mommy, grammie is comming:)
ReplyDeleteOh goodness! Grammie is going to spoil my baby girl. :)
DeleteMy challenges have been a true test of motherly love and strength. Our 11year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Epilepsy. As my husband works long days, far from home, I have Had to face many, many doctors appointments with our daughter, alone. I am the one who gives her the medications she needs twice a day at the same exact time every single day. I deal with making all of the special arrangements with her school. I watch her constantly, as she is never to be left unattended, which is difficult for me, but even more difficult for a tween girl who wants her little bit of independence. Many times I have sat in my car in the parking lot at her school, in the merciless south Florida heat, cell phone in one hand, seizure medication in the other, just so she could attend after school activities, and try to live as normal a life as possible. I wake up numerous times every night to check my daughter, seems like I constantly am checking that baby monitor to make sure she is not having a seizure. (she suffers her seizures at night.) I do all of this while trying to maintain a normal family life, and work a full time job as a property manager so we can have free rent., and I can have the flexibility I need to take care of her. Sometimes I feel like I have lost myself in taking care of others, but I love my daughter and she needs me, and I will be there for her no matter what it takes.
ReplyDeleteYou are a true testament of what a mother is. You have incredible strength. Though I don't know what it's like to be a mother of a child with Epilepsy, I do know what it's like to constantly worry and be on guard of a very sick child. My prayer is that you never lose yourself in the good works that you do. That God helps you find a balance with all the challenges and blessings you throws your way.
DeleteWay to go, sticking to your guns. During this stage of independence, it's important for our kids to remember that while they explore their independence, there are limitations and restrictions and that we only say "no" because we love them. I like how you replaced the cookie with a book to show how much you care for her, and that caring for her can be expressed in ways other than a cookie. Good job, Mom. Keep it up! Challenges galore - don't want to take a bath, don't want to leave the bath, don't want to go to sleep, don't want to wake up...LOL. Never ending. We just have to laugh and smile through it all!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa, for understanding and cheering me on. Your support means so much to me. You are right, we will always have new challenges. We just need to take one challenge at a time, that's for sure.
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