tantrums

Tantrums are a way of life in my house. It is funny because as a
parent it is the one thing you dread and absolutely cannot control.
You find yourself doing damage control when one happens in public but
pray that they only happen at home where you can hide your "lack of
parenting skill".

This is where I give you some great advice and you all nod and say
"wow!" she's really good at this. However, that's not going to happen
because I would be a big fat liar! I will be very honest and say that
there have been more than a few occasions where children tantrums have
become adult tantrums.

I really hate losing control. I am very type A. I try so hard to keep
control in my life and I have realized with children it is just
constant chaos. It is incredibly trying for me to deal with tantrums.
I don't have a problem if we are home and no one witnesses them but in
public people are so super critical. They judge you immediately on how
you deal with the situation. However, it is an unfair judgement, how
do you control another being? Age does not matter. I can guide my kids
but I cannot control them. Trust me, I've tried!

For me the most amazing part of this whole parenthood gig is that you
think things go in stages. I am sure they do to a certain point but
for the most part I have experienced that there are no stages, rather
ebb and flows. For instance I was sure that by 9 years old my son
would be past tantrums. Not true. He has them on a regular basis. I am
not sure what triggers them. I think often times it is because he is
over tired. What I will tell you with absolute certainty is that I
don't know how to deal with them. And they are probably my biggest
button.

I expect tantrums from my 2 year old. Not from my older two. Certainly
not from myself. And yet we all have them. So if you are reading this
thinking that you are incredibly fortunate to not deal with tantrums,
bully for you! If you have found yourself sighing in relief, welcome
to the club. You've earned your tantrum patch and it is in the mail!