Yesterday was a rough rough day with Goo. She was in a rough spot and had trouble with everything. She was having self control issues and ended up drawing on the bathroom walls, tub, rug and the hallway with a marker (washable)
I was getting angry early in the day, but then I was able to just watch her and realize that she was just having a bad day. When the marker incident happened, she helped me clean up. (actually, I handed her the sponge and she cleaned it all up herself) The markers went into toy time out, and she understood that and actually suggested it herself. I think she knew she was having control issues.
I was able to just let go of my anger and let things happen. I did tell her that I was frustrated and she accepted that and let me listen to my music in the car instead of hers. Then she asked if I was happy now that I heard my song.
It was good to let it go and not yell or really punish. I am so proud of myself. This is such a change from they way I thought I would have to parent
I was getting angry early in the day, but then I was able to just watch her and realize that she was just having a bad day. When the marker incident happened, she helped me clean up. (actually, I handed her the sponge and she cleaned it all up herself) The markers went into toy time out, and she understood that and actually suggested it herself. I think she knew she was having control issues.
I was able to just let go of my anger and let things happen. I did tell her that I was frustrated and she accepted that and let me listen to my music in the car instead of hers. Then she asked if I was happy now that I heard my song.
It was good to let it go and not yell or really punish. I am so proud of myself. This is such a change from they way I thought I would have to parent
I am clapping loudly for you out here! I've been struggling with my own anger issues-and with my older son's behavior for a few months now. So, I've been celebrating my own successes lately, however small they may be. Congrats. Mothering is tough. We have a chance to re-do things every day. That's the power of kids! 
