This weekend we took the kids to the beach.
There was rock throwing and log balancing and castle building involved.
We walked to the pier and hopped on a ferry and when we walked back the girls found a tree to climb.
They hoisted themselves up, but Kainoa couldn’t do it and I was exhausted and hungry so I was all, “Come on guys, let’s keep walking…”
And then he collapsed in a fit of tears because he wanted up in the tree and I was supposed to telepathically sense that he wanted me to help him into the tree, but instead I was making him leave.
I mean how could I??
But because he was now screaming about it I couldn’t really be like “Oh sweetie I’m sorry! Of course I’ll help you!” because that would just reinforce the ugly fit of tears every time things don’t go his way, so instead I was all, “Sorry Bud! We’ve got to go eat. I didn’t help the girls up either so maybe when you’re a little bigger you can get yourself up in that tree too!”
He just continued to cry the saddest cry you ever did hear.
A few ladies were walking past us and I could see they just felt terrible for him. Not knowing why he was crying I’m sure they all wanted to give the crying boy a big hug. Poor thing.
And then Kainoa cry-screamed, “MOOOOOM!?! When I TELL you to DO something you DO IT!!!”
I was actually glad for this disrespectful outburst because I got to witness every single one of those Sympathetic Ladies switch teams. From Team Crying Boy to Team Tough Mom.
The crying boy’s statement sent them into a fit of giggles and I could telepathically sense the high fives they were sending my way.
Thank you Sympathetic Ladies…us Moms need to stick together.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s hard not to feel sorry for a little guy who is crying – even if you don’t know why….but yeah, I would have given you that mental high five too. Us moms not only need to stick together but we’ve got to stand our ground sometimes.
Yeah I agree! Kids are so sad looking when they’re upset and when you’re not the Mom you can’t help but feel for them. When you ARE the Mom you kind of want to slap them upside the head a lil’bit.
I am on Team Tough Mom–for what it’s worth, I who has no children, think you did the right thing.
Daaaaaaang! Kainoa was NOT playing, MOM.
Kainoa was being a punk fer’real.
lol! i’ve heard that one before! go team tough mom!
MarfMom! :)
Here’s hoping neither of us have to hear it again EVER. Wishful thinking?
Yea team tough mom, but what did you say back? I am dealing with this issue with my 1 1/2 yo ( yea I did the half because I think after 18 months its just silly to count months *no offense ladies*). She will just stop in the middle of wherever and sit and say “no”, and express that she wants “X” that I am not giving her. So, just an inquiry- I am building my arsenal of stern yet loving things to say while in the tantrum storm!
I don’t know if I’m the best person to ask for advice regarding how to deal with tantrumming children. I usually scream “YOU’RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!” and run to my room and cry. Maybe try that?
Go team Tough Mom!!!
Oh how I love that!!! I can totally relate to the public catastrophic meltdowns…and the watchful eyes all around!! SCORE one for the tough mom team!! WOOT. ;)
Go mom! I am totally high five-ing you right now!
I love those telepathic high fives! Yay Team Mom!
It’s so hard to remember when you’re passing a parent with a crying, whining, screaming, (insert any other words here), etc that we don’t know the whole story! I agree with what you did initially! If he would’ve said that to me, I don’t know if I would’ve died in a fit of laughter or said, “you have GOT to be freaking kidding me!!” You go Tough Mom
I have to admit the pouting and crying does make me want to run and say oh, you want THIS? Lemme get it for you. Sometimes. And then sometimes it’s just like eh, whatever, your tears are no match for my hunger, little boy.
And a big ass high five to those ladies for knowing they didn’t really know the deal (and then when they did, adjusting themselves accordingly because you talk to mom like that…CRY ON!).