For the last few weeks there have been times where this is the usual conversation in my
{imagine the kids in the playroom, playing quietly}
Adam: Daaaaaaaad, Emma took my _______ (fill in just about anything he could have)
Emma: No I didn’t
Adam: Yes you DID (emphasis on did), I had it first
Me: (sigh!). Emma give it back to Adam, he had it first. Em, that means now. Emma Robins, I’m going to count to 3, 3….2….1….Right it’s now Adams
{Daddy takes from Emma and gives to Adam}
Emma: cries
Adam: SEEEEEEEE I told you.
{end plot}
I don’t know if this is typical, I’d love for anyone reading this to give me some comfort! There are times when I’m just at the end of my rope with them. Now I must admit this is not their usual behaviour, it’s only been in the last few weeks (well a little before Christmas until now). I don’t know if it’s kids at daycare, because I’m trying to do to much and snap at them, or because they are 2 and 4…
I grew up as an only child, it wasn’t until later that I had brothers, and besides I can’t remember when I was 4 so have no real reference. But I always think about what my Grandma Robins would have done raising her 3 boys. She always hand a kind tongue, and rarely (if at all) said anything bad about another person. It’s so easy to react when kids rub you up, but sometimes it just has to go in one ear and out the other. They are small children, and I think I treat them as though they are older all the time. Sometimes they just have to be 2 and 4 and get through that. So today I was just kind. Not overly happy, no fake “oh wow!”, just kind to them, listened, talked, helped, and gave them the encouragement they deserve, but sometimes don’t get.
This is the result. Adam teach Emma where the puzzle pieces go instead of refusing help, and Emma listening and feeling good about helping instead of chewing on the corners.
I am totally in love with my kids
