I know I have been absent the last couple of weeks and I apologize... We moved! We moved....
Still on the fence about how I feel about our move. We moved to Plant City, which all in all is a nice town, but they just don't have as many neato little community events Lakeland did. Plus they have hardly anything around for preschoolers! But it is still a little(r) city, so it is quiet, plus I liked being able to change things up around our home... I'll warm up to PC more, I'm sure of it!
A few updates: I completely crashed and burned on my Love Dare. It was more like a Love Flop. I probably got to day 5 before I had to pack the book up with our other things for the move. I packed it away where it belonged (our library book bag), but then neglected to take it out before going to the library again. OOPS! I am definitely planning on giving it another try, but this time I want to try when we don't have such big disturbances in our lives. I really want to be able to focus on it and give it my all.
Also to update you on my 'big plans' I mentioned last time.... I'm having a hard time getting other people to get involved. Heck, the person I want to do it for doesn't even seem enthused. Been praying and asking God for a sign that I am doing what he wants and I'm not seeing any obvious 'Hey this is a great idea' type signs. I don't know if I should continue with this idea, put it on the back burner, or just scrap it all together. Prayers for wisdom and guidance would definitely be appreciated!
Now to what I wanted to write about.... The terrible twos. I personally have decided the terrible twos should hereby be named terrible toddlerhood. My sweet adorable son now become possessed by some evil little monster when he doesn't get his way. I mean this isn't the first time he's showed off his terrible twoness, but he is showing them off more and more in public!
Now normally I wouldn't mind dealing with a tantrum too much. I normally try to head the tantrum off with distractions, but if that doesn't work his little 'show' gets ignored. (Normally with some chill out time in his room or time out) The only part that doesn't get ignored are bad actions that we know Little Man knows are wrong. (i.e.: hitting, throwing things, etc.) He will get a quick pop on the hiney and then goes back to being ignored. This works for us. It works for Little Man. EXCEPT for when we are out in public.
Side Note: I know each parent has their own ideas/thoughts/feelings on spanking. I am NOT asking for judgement/recommendations on spanking vs. non spanking. I respect that you have your way of parenting and ask you do the same for me.
Well the last few times I have ventured out with Little Man and The Captain in tow, Mommy has come home feeling like the worst parent imaginable. For example, our last trip to the library was going swell till Little Man decided to run off. Cue the Scooby Doo chase scene music as I frantically chase after Little Man, calling his name, while The Captain (realizing he has been left behind) wails in the stroller. After being appropriately secured into the stroller Little Man decides to go in full melt down mode. I'm talking running nose, high pitched squeals, bright red face, tears, flailing of limbs... the whole nine yards. We got those looks. You know the kind you get (and probably give as well!) when someone thinks 'Oh what a cruddy parent!' or 'That mom must not discipline her child right!' UUGGHHH....
Well here was my dilemma in this circumstance... Do I spank in public (for the bad behavior that triggered the tantrum), try to ignore this till he stops, run out pretending I forgot some urgent errand, or try reasoning with him? Lets all be honest, the last option isn't really an option because we all know you can't reason with a toddler. Then with option one people will assume I'm a child abuser. Lord knows I've thought the same of moms who spank in public. But if I don't is that going to ruin my work that I had accomplished at home? (Where he understands there are negative consequences to actions that he knows are wrong) Option two will get me the 'Is she going to shut him up' stage whispers. And finally Option three... Probably the best I'd say, but it's just so gosh darn difficult! I mean do I drop the library books then and there or attempt to check them out? Do I leave them in a pile somewhere or attempt to put them away where they belong? I just don't ever really know.
It's just been a struggle. Little Man is just so strong willed. Been asking God for patience and for strength. If anyone knows some wonderful bible passage for this type of thing I would love to hear it! Been writing them down in a binder as they relate to my life so next time the same issue comes back I can flip to that 'feeling' or 'circumstance' in my binder and read quotes that directly relate to how I'm feeling.
Well, so this post doesn't sound like I fail at everything I do, I must announce my latest achievement! I made a wonderfully delish loaf of Rosemary Olive Oil bread! The recipe called for yeast which typically terrifies me, but I got the yeast to bloom and the dough to rise! I feel like I'm on top of the world! Well, except for the whole toddler terribleness... But.. YAY FOR MY BREAD! :)
Many Blessings!
SAHMommy
