Okay. So I know to any parent, this is no big revelation. But wow -- having a two year old is a bit like being being adrift on the ocean in a tiny lifeboat with no paddle.
At least that's the metaphor that comes to mind at the moment. I think there's probably a dozen more I could come up with off the top of my head.
It's the irrationality that blows my mind. Lately, the fits include shrieks of: "NO! I don't want milk!!!" Followed immediately by: "My millllllk! I want my MILLLLKK!" That kind of stuff. On repeat.
Not only that -- sometimes there is absolutely no way whatsoever to talk him down. Today I muddled through two fits that lasted at least a half an hour each. Plus one mini-fit (probably about 10 minutes' worth) because he didn't want to leave the bank. Well, more specifically, he didn't want to leave the four toy trucks they have in the bank lobby.
Today, time outs did not work. He was actually in one big long one (three time outs back-to-back) because he would not sit up and stop crying long enough for us to have our "talk" about the unacceptable behavior. It was like reasoning with a tree. A shrieking, howling, 1,000-decibel, rolling on the floor, tree. I got so tired of the never-ending discipline session that I finally just lectured about the prior unacceptable behavior as he rolled on the floor. I told him I was leaving the room to go do something fun and that he could come play when he was done crying. After a few minutes, he came out. Still crying, but at probably a third the decibel level of before.
And tonight's fit? Just thinking about that one makes me exhausted all over again. But in a nutshell, we went from watching him run and play all over the backyard to battling over a much-needed sweatshirt to ward off the evening chill. That evolved into a scream session throughout the normally pleasant bedtime routine. Not pretty.
That said, I think the highs are equally as intense as the lows. I mean, aside from the rough moments, we had a great day together. We played at the park, had some lovely conversations (which prompted some sweet compliments on his communication skills from a passing shopper at the grocery store) and made a killer house out of Mega Bloks.
Even if the waters get choppy from time to time, we're still having a wonderful journey.
But if anyone happens to see an oar float by, toss it to me, would you?
Nicely written my dear friend, nicely written. And what a great photo. I'm sure this too shall pass. Isn't this part of the "terrible two's?" said the non-parent friend?
ReplyDeleteI. Am. So. There.
ReplyDeleteThe bliss. The agony. In succession. All at once.
Oh the joy. At least I have a 6 year old so I can see the horizon. It helps.
There is no oar. Independant, strong-willed children are a blessing and a challenge, like anything worthwhile. I can tell you that they grow out of it, and then another difficult stage will pop up. You just learn to really enjoy the beautiful moments.
ReplyDelete