Thursday, September 22, 2011

freak out

Two times in the last week, I felt like I was "that mom." You know, the one who doesn't know how to calm, discipline, or otherwise control their child.  So embarrassing.

Epic Public Meltdown #1:
When: Friday, September 16, 2011
Where: Polaris Mall parking lot and play place (plus the entire distance between)
What: Screaming, crying & flopping on the floor until the majority of the kids in the play place could no longer play out of fear of whatever was tormenting this little girl.  A handful of parents (including a few of those lazy ones that don't even budge when their kid is screaming) had to come over to redirect their little ones.
Why: Ellie wanted to be in Emery's stroller
How it was resolved: Ignored her protests (but did take a video to send to sis and hubs), proceeded to play place while attempting to redirect her attention.  She eventually calmed down enough to ask for her paci and played happily.  I continued to get sympathetic looks and comments from the other parents for the rest of our visit. That's right. All kids can be irrational freaks from time to time.  Especially when their parents completely miss a nap. My girl was passed out before we got out of the parking lot. 

Epic Public Meltdown #2:
When: Thursday, September 22, 2011 (all day)
Where: Panera dining room
What: SCREAMING, crying & flailing
Why: Ellie wanted to drink my pop
How it was resolved: Ignored her protests, tried to give her her own water with and without a straw, D and I looked at each other helplessly.  I eventually walked with her around the restaurant while talking about the mac and cheese and yogurt that was on its way. Despite the fact that the employees packed our "for here" order "to go" (a not so subtle hint?) we stayed to eat and she calmed down and ate more than she ever has before. 

Have her terrible-two tantrums just started early? Are we terrible at discipline? Or is this just life with a "spirited" (to quote my mom) toddler?  Any embarrassing Ihavenoideawhatishappeningorhowtofixit parenting moments you care to share?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

She had two "meltdowns" with us yesterday. Maybe because I'm the grandma, they really did make me laugh. I just let her melt to the ground, scouped her up and started kissing her belly. She eventually started laughing. She is sooo funny, with the faces she makes, and the way she walks sometimes. She is full of personality! Love her! and her mom and dad and mimi!

Car said...

They sort of make us laugh, too... But they probably shouldn't, right?!

Anonymous said...

I think they should make you laugh. It is her personality, which she is full of!!! So darn cute when she is mad at you (for a few seconds) and won't look at you. What baby knows to do that?!!! It seems that if a distraction works, or taking her out of the situation works, then it is clothes on the floor!

Car said...

Oh, so we're the only ones struggling with this?! :)