Red flags. Welcome to parenthood.

I read this today and thought it would be appropriate:

Breathe Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to cool down.

You told your child to pick up all his toys and get ready for bed. Five minutes later when you check in, the toy cars are still all over. You feel your blood start to boil. You're on the verge of losing it. Turn around, close your eyes, and breathe. Take a moment to collect yourself -- and your emotions. Michelle LaRowe, author of A Mom's Ultimate Book of Lists, says, "Take a time-out. If you're worked up, you're only going to work up your child. Before addressing your child, take a deep breath and think through what you're going to say, calmly."

This came from a Parents website about how to stay calm when your child is anything BUT calm. I think I've needed quite a few timeouts recently. Over the past few weeks, Kendall has been Stubborn::Rude::Defiant::Unfocused:: Nonchalant


However, she has also been::Loving::Sweet::Understanding::Creative


So what's going on? The little Jekyll and Hyde routine is becoming our new normal and we're just not sure how she can be the most caring and sweet child and then turn around and come home from school with a "red flag" warning. I do know that we are not alone. I have been reading and listening to friends advice and doctors/experts opinions. It all makes sense. But I feel I may loose my own direction in the midst of it all.

The new minivan. :)

And as I rant about this new "discovered" element of parenthood, let me also tell you that I am officially a parent. While this may have technically happened when our little Kendall was conceived/born (whichever side of that fence you are on!), we are now a happy little minivan family. That's right folks. The purchase you swore you'd never make as your mom and dad drove you to school... that's right ... I did it. We bought our first minivan and boy, do we LOVE IT.

I think that's the sign that no matter what happens, you love being a parent. You don't care that you swore the minivan curse off 20 years ago or that you are using the parental phrases that you said would never work ... the fact remains that you are doing those things. And if you're like us, think they actually work. 


So here's my heart2heart, intended directly at myself. Welcome to parenthood. All the boogers, tears, pouty lips and fierce independence acts are still priceless. I'll take 'em. And I'll even enjoy the minivan. 

Because, at the end of the day, the hugs and cuddles in the rocking chair make the screaming fade away. I love you Mommy ... means the tears are worth it.

 

September 17, 2011