the day I realized the next two years with L will be an exercise in patience, consistency, and trying not to crack up at inappropriate times.

Wednesday. Tantrums start before breakfast.

Time to get your shoes on, L.

Runs away. I act stern. Happens again. Threats. Runs again. Only 8:45.

All morning: Nooo! and But but but but but?

Naptime. More fun to crap in the diaper. Fills his bed with trucks. Then blocks. Me: I do NOT want you to get out of bed again. Confiscate the toys (Hey, Mumma! You?re taking away all my stuff!).

3:00 p.m. In his bed. Footy jams. Pacifier. Shit-eating grin. Blocks all over the bed.

I’m building a house, Mumma. For Dada. And you. And me. And…I’m awake.

Hug.

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7 Comments

  1. Katie

    Along with patience and consistency I also recommend flexibility and compromise. : )

    Reply
  2. susiemeserve

    Absolutely. If I sound sort of terse and stern in this post, in part it’s because this was an exercise for the Juicy Blogging course I’m taking: write a 100-word post with more images than text. A fun challenge for me, because I tend to be so wordy. And so, since I didn’t have the space to say this above, I’ll cheat and say it here: this day was exhausting and difficult, but also good learning…and when L said I’m building this house for you and Dada and me…and I’m awake… it was actually quite lovely and VERY funny and all my frustration disappeared (until ten minutes later, when there was another major meltdown and I’m sure I lost my cool again).

    Reply
  3. Katie

    I loved your post and I have complete faith in your mothering instincts and skills. (I hope that last goes without saying.) I only suggest flexibility and compromise because of what we were talking about the other afternoon – the issue of consequences and discipline, and not backing down so as to be consistent. I thought more about it afterwards. From a perspective of having 10 and 13 year olds now, I seen as they’ve grown that they have such strong personalities, as do I, and as a family we’ve have had to learn how to deal with those personalities.

    I do not know the magical balance between allowing kids to develop autonomy and sense of self on the one hand, and follow rules in order to live peacefully in a family, home, community, etc., on the other. It seems increasingly clear to me that there is a reason that you have them under your roof for 17 -18 years. It really does take that long to civilize these creatures.

    You have all of my sympathy for this trying, tantrumy time. It’s the smartest, most creative and independent kids who make it the hardest!

    Reply
  4. slowmamma

    You are not alone! Those are great pictures, btw.

    And yes, I think this age is all about the total absence of moderation – the highest highs and the pull-your-hair-out, absolutely frustrating lows. At least there is never a dull moment!

    Reply
  5. susiemeserve

    True, slowmamma! And glad you like the pics. I messed around on iPhoto for a bit…fun.

    Reply
  6. An Honest Mom

    ah, the opposition. the constant opposition. we reside here too.

    Reply
  7. Janet McQuarrie (@diabetessoul)

    The good news is…this too shall pass. Not so great news is that 2-year old tantrums evolve into new and different expressions of defiance over the next 20 years. Once they hit early 20’s though…everything is golden again! Loved your post. Nice job.

    Reply

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