I was that Mom

I spent all day Friday and all day Saturday with Little Man. No breaks from each other. We had a nice time. Saturday I took him to the movies for the first time. He did really well.

Something must have happened while he was sleeping Saturday night because he woke a different child on Sunday. He was a nightmare. It was tantrum after tantrum. It was the worst day I have seen. Before it started I had planned to take him to a store with me to buy some white glue for a project we were going to work on. He didn't want to sit in the cart, so I let him walk. He started the non-listening phase of the trip about 10 minutes into it. I put up with it twice. The third time, he landed himself in the cart. The fourth time I took the glow necklaces he wanted from the cart. He flipped out. He started crying and screaming, then kicking.

I stopped in my tracks and did that low growly voice (you know the one...you have it too) in his ear and told him to knock it off. It only slightly improved. We got to the register and he started crying and screaming all over again. He saw the batteries and started grabbing at those. I told him no and that he could try again next time we were at the store. That only met more crying, screaming, kicking and grabbing. I half expected to see him start foaming at the mouth and for his head to turn completely around.

There I was standing in line surrounded by at least 10 others standing in line with a tantrum throwing 3 year old. I was that mom. I was the mom we all pity and wonder what kind of discipline she uses. I was horrified, angry and embarrassed all rolled into one. I pulled the cart out of the line, I picked his sorry little tushie up out of the cart and left. Did I make the right decision? I don't know, I do know that I am annoyed that I didn't get any of the stuff I wanted and am forced to go back tonight following bedtime.

The day didn't get any better. He continued to have tantrum after tantrum. It has continued on in to today. Is this normal? Does their horrendous behavior come in waves?

3 People Raise Their Wine Glasses to Me:

Jessica said...

I have the same question...does it come in waves? Hoss throws similar tantrums and I can't stand it. I know people are staring and wonder what I am going to do. I think some days they just wake up on the wrong side of the bed, so to speak. I don't know, but so far I think three is the worst age for tantrum throwing. I hope it gets better after three.

Fratzels said...

I hope it gets better too. It's Tuesday and the whole crying and throwing fits is still happening. It's ugly here in the house of cali girl.

Anonymous said...

I HATE when I'm "that mom!" Time-outs have been pretty effective here, but it still sucks when they do that too you in public. It's like they just know you won't be able to do anything about it.

Oh yes, rotten little tempers abound in this house too...

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