Oh no, I have become "that mom". Rowan, who is now 4 has really gotten too big for grocery carts. Or rather, its getting too hard to get his 40+lb body in and out of a cart. Much to my own discord, I have started letting home venture out on his own. I needed to get out of the house yesterday, so we ran a few errands. The first stop he started weaving through aisles to where he was out of my sight. Of course panic sets in when only 30 seconds pass and you don't see your child. I calmly tried to explain that he needed to stay where I could see him. The second stop he listened a little better and stayed closer. The third stop was the grocery store. This is where I transformed into "that mom" and lost my cool. You know the type, you see them (usually at the grocery store or Walmart) they appear frazzled and disheveled. They are constantly reprimanding there children, and you can't help but feel for them. I have always vowed never to be "that mom" but yesterday it happened. Rowan would not listen. This was my dialogue (which apparently I was having with myself.) "Rowan, stop", Rowan don't touch", "No we don't need that", "Move out of the way" "Rowan, no", "Rowan listen". I said each of these things at least five times, each time my voice got an octave higher. I saw people giving me that "sympathetic look". Then we get to check out and of course there is candy right at their little level. So he grabs something, I say "No, we don't need that", he starts pitching a fit. So to avoid the fit I end up with M&M's. Why, oh why, do they put candy right there? How evil. Hopefully the next venture out will go better.
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I had that moment in Walmart a few weeks ago: the two older boys, on a Friday night, the LAST Friday before Christmas. In Walmart, of all places. All I needed was toothpaste and papertowels and of course, we ended up in the toy and holiday section. After numerous (say, 100) episodes of the same language as you described, plus bending over to pick up things Austin had thrown out of the buggy about 4 dozen times, I finally lost my cool. I really hollered and said, "the next time something is thrown out of this buggy, I don't care what it is, it stays where it lands and we're going home!" Two second later, something landed on the ground and I walked away from it, angry and muttering, "why does this always happen in Walmart? Me losing my temper and usually crying?" I didn't think anyone heard me, but an older mom did, lightly touched my arm and said, "you did the right thing. You have to follow through like you did. They have to learn you mean business. Don't worry, you're a good mom." I could have kissed the woman. That was one of the highlights of the season for me.
ReplyDeleteAaaahh, the joys of boyhood, huh?
Jam, I don't even know how you handle three! Boys are so much trouble when they are young, but at least they will be easier when they are teens, vs. a girl that is. No teen is easy. Didn't you say something about a fourth as well? Your a saint!
ReplyDeletedon't you feel like a broken record when you have to constantly repeat it? LOL but I guess its part of their developement and learning process. One day you will tell them about it, and they will of course...deny it!
ReplyDeleteA broken record is exactly how I feel, and I am the only one hearing it!
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