Would you rather....
spend 5 hours in an airport terminal with an eighteen month old, 3 Elmo movies, and nothing more than a peanut butter sandwich and fruit snacks because your flight was delayed...
or sleep with two giant sized dogs who think they are people and a cat the approximate shape of a basketball?
Or, is it possible to be blessed with both in the same vacation?
Can one woman be so lucky?
Oh,yes....she can.
But on to more important things, like the rapid transformation of my beautiful 18 month old daughter into a moody, dramatic, diva without reason.
Ahhhhh the good old days when I could tell something was wrong with Anna because she was crying...
I knew that she needed food, or a diaper change, or a nap. But regardless, when she cried it based on some rational need.
A few months ago I watched in awe as Anna threw her first fit. There was rolling around on the ground, there was a little kicking involved, there was screaming, and it had nothing to do with any basic needs. I don't even know if Maslow factored in toddlers when he created his hierarchy of needs. Maybe Anna is yearning for self-actualization. Maybe she is just frustrated that I am not fluent in semi gibberish... or maybe she is just not getting what she wants, when she wants it, and she is letting me know that my desire to teach her the value of delayed gratification is not appreciated!
My greatest fear is being realized. I live with an irrational being that does not appeal to logic...or does not find logic appealing. I try to reason with Anna using all my powers of persuasion (which are many and great!)...I craft finely tuned and nearly flawless arguments that would impress even the most seasoned judge...all to no avail.
I have learned that at some point, I just have to walk away from it. Its either that or turn on Sesame Street, and Elmo already has enough power in this relationship.
And to be fair to her, she is a really good little girl most of the time. Which means that perhaps she is not so different from myself or any other person. We all throw fits sometimes, or get moody, or act like divas...
and then we eat a Snickers, and all our problems are solved!
Oh Anna, its a good thing you are learning to talk so you can tell me what you need, because sometimes, I just don't know!
Any good suggestions on how to deal with fits?
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2 comments:
I feel your pain! B has already started too... sigh. It's good that I remember E did this at the same age or I would blame myself for driving away my sweet little boy with my mad parenting skills. You are lucky she's learning to talk - B doesn't even come close! I have read different opinions on the subject - from hugging and comforting them because their own out-of-control emotions are frightening to them, to leaving them alone and ignoring them until it's over. They've both worked at various times, and not worked as well! Good luck!
:) Rachael, you really ought to write a book! As for Anna, I think everything is a lot like surfing. Anna is a wave; you are a surfboard; ride the wave! . . . except don't actually ride on her . . .
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