I know everyone has a bad day at the office now and then but I've had a bad day at the "office" just about everyday this week and when your "office" also happens to be your home no one is happy.
I hate to rag on her because I love her dearly and she is such a blessing to have but Sloane has me wanting to cry, yell, scream into the pillow, cry again, beg her behave and finally throw my hands up and wave the white flag all in a matter of minutes. And John isn't far behind me either. She's officially out of control. Or you could say we're out of control. Either way it's had me questioning if staying at home is what is best for her, me and the rest of our family.
I hate to even say this at risk of offending my working mom friends but at this point going to work looks like a much more appealing option then staying at home another day. I've never had and can't even imagine a job that tests my patience more intensely then this past week has. I do think it's important to note that I'm well aware that patience has never been my strong point. Of course, I don't really want to go back to work but I feel terrible spending what feels like the majority of my day battling a 3 year-old.
I know what you're thinking. That it's typical toddler behavior, right? I would argue that Sloane isn't the typical toddler but even if it was typical toddler behavior it's still behavior I'm not willing to put up with. She's yelling commands at us, throwing tantrums multiple times a day, runs away out of sight often, has NO regard for safety requests we've made when near Adler (that one really gets to me) and top it off this week she was in time out twice at the gym for spitting and choking other kids. I'm not saying she's the only 3 year-old who acts this way. I know she's not because I have seen other children behave the same way- they're on Super Nanny. Only joking, she's not that bad but even her teachers at the gym and preschool have noted her amazing, endless amounts of "energy". The only thing keeping me sane right now is John, who is always home on time to give me a break.
I've taken Love and Logic classes and read multiple parenting books so I'm not a complete dummy when it comes to disciplining Sloane but obviously whatever we've been doing wasn't cutting it anymore. Knowing of my frustration my mother recommend a book she saw on the news that had rave reviews. "Have a New Kid by Friday" by Dr. Kevin Leman. We have nothing to lose at this point so I read the first 50 pages last night and started implementing some of his principles first thing this morning.
It's not rocket science, but I'm focusing on consistency, follow through and only making requests once- no more warnings. Needless to say it was a rough morning- a lot of privileges were taken away, a few time outs and a lot of tears but she's a smart cookie and I'm sure (I hope) will catch on fast that Mom and Dad are taking back control of the house!
I'll be sure to keep you updated!
So many comments, so little space! :) My working mom friends say working is SO much easier than staying home...would have to agree! I haven't read that book, but looking forward to your updates. I truly think consistency is key (it doesn't always work, but at least Wes knows my limits). I used to count to three, but have stopped than and adopted the "I expect you to obey the first time every time" mantra. I sound like a broken record..."first time every time, first time every time" over and over. But now when Wes follows directions he asks "did I do that the first time mommy?" It's sinking in I think! Good luck and prayers!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you are going through, the first 3 months after Brix was born, I had no clue who Caillet was. TERROR! It does get better, you will make it and when you come out on the other side, you will look back and realize what a short time it was. Your kids are beautiful!
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