I've been on a blogging hiatus because by the end of the day lately my brain no longer functions. I'm having difficulties putting full, eloquent sentences together in my usual charming whit. I. am. exhausted.
Moms, I am needing some wine help/advice/empathy/encouragement... really anything other than "my child acted like that until he was 6" or "wait until he turns 3! It gets worse!"
"Acted like what," you ask?
THIS:
This is Parker screaming on the floor in Target. There was also a little jumping, rolling and kicking... it was just lovely. This particular tantrum was over me not buying him another Woody doll. I'm sure you're thinking "why did you take him to the toy section, crazy lady!" ... I didn't. We were in the baby section buying tights for Avery and he made a mad dash for the toy section. He was given time out on the end cap until I was too embarrassed to sit there any longer with him screaming. Target at 5pm on a Friday is a mad house and of course I saw a bunch of people I knew... and did my very best to ignore. I was embarrassed enough already. I wanted OUT!
The poor check out girl couldn't have been a day over 16 and was commenting about how cute Avery was (in the stroller with a big ass bow and huge grin on her face)... Parker was under my arm flailing and screaming... the sweet girl asked "Ah... cute kids! Do you just love being a mom?!" In my frustration, I answered "no" and told her I'm a big fan of absence. sigh. Do you ever say things and immediately wish you could take them back? This would be one of those times.
I'm just beside myself. I know this behavior is normal but it isn't "my Parker!" He's sweet and has small meltdowns but for the last 3 weeks we've had full out inconsolable tantrums. He also cries 2-3 times a night for extended periods of time and has started getting up during naps. Check this out... instead of napping yesterday, he pulled out every toy he could find and all of his clothes:
I just don't know what to do anymore!?! I feel So frustrated, completely defeated, exhausted...and like I'm failing him. I feel like I must be doing something wrong for him to think he can act like that. Or maybe he's acting out for attention? Reacting to change? Growing pains? Teething? Possessed? Pushing his limits? Tired? Frustrated over his inability to communicate? I just don't know and that upsets me. I want so badly to make it better but I just don't know what "it" is!
Have any of you been through something similar? How do I get my happy boy back?
.JPG)
