Sunday, March 9, 2014

Ages and Stages? I wish!

WRITE. Every day in March write a slice of life story on your own blog. SHARE. Link your post in the comments on each daily call for slice of life stories here at TWT. GIVE. Comment on at least three other slice of life stories/blogs.

Ages and stages, right? I wish that just making it through the next few months would alleviate some of our current parenting challenges. There are also personality traits that are imbedded for life. The strong willed, independent, sometime defiant little one is not going to become any less of those things at future ages and stages. The parent challenges are not going to end, just evolve as she grows.

Right now I can still figure out when she is up to something, but her sneaks will become more subtle. There won't be the tell-tale blue stains left by the Silly Putty shining on her sheets, even though it is not allowed in her room. The wadded up clothes that have been hidden won't be from the same Silly Putty that won't come off the shirt or skirt or leggings and I'll wish for today, the afternoon that I spent time cutting the globs out of her fuchsia, shag rug.

Those future moments are why the little things, in the grand scheme of life, need my full attention. I have to embrace the moment and all the hard parts of parenting. The uncomfortable conversations (over and over) are my job. If I don't stop to say that choices matter, I'm not parenting to my fullest. If I don't hold true and uphold consequences that have been promising, I'm not parenting to my fullest.

Right now I don't like these moments at all. I make sure she knows I love her, even when I don't like what we are dealing with. I give myself timeouts when I need a few deep breaths, perspective, and a chance to think it through. We, so far, have always ended with one or both of us apologizing and hugging each other. That is a part I hope never stops, no matter the age or stage.

4 comments:

  1. Did you read Ruth's post about this topic? I sent it to my daughter...I'm sending yours too. I love the line of deep breaths and perspective. It is not an easy journey...parenting. It made me a better teacher, however. Keep writing, I think it helps us process...

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  2. Writing most certainly helps me process. And repeating, "This too shall pass...this too shall pass..." Wishing you joy in the journey today.

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  3. Parenting is difficult, but so worth it. Timeouts are as necessary for parents as for the children.

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  4. I love the way you've thought about how the details will change but the underlying feelings & themes will stay the same. I can tell you are a loving mother, and that makes me sure that those hugs will always continue! :-)

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