Mr. Grouchy Pants has been driving me a little nutty lately. He has been climbing everything, making some less than stellar choices in his behavior and attitude and whining about ‘just wanting to have fun’. The hubs and I have tried all sorts of things to try to curb this mayhem but nothing has worked so far.
After a series of notes from school and conversations with his teacher as well as constantly refereeing fights between him and his brother I was becoming unglued. I was exhausted and more frustrated than I can ever remember being with this kid. So, when I walked into the living room just as he was about to execute a near kamikaze stunt involving the fireplace hearth, the couch, and a number of blankets and pillows I knew I had a choice to make. I could lock him in the garage, tie him to a chair, or run away from home.
Realizing that none of those were really viable options, I stuck the kid in the bath tub and gave myself a time out. As I stood outside the bathroom door, I listened to him play and sing in the tub. He was everything sweet and calm and adorable, as he soaked in the bubbles. When he was sufficiently wrinkled, I pulled him out of the tub, toweled him off and sent him to his room to get jammied. Maybe all he needed was a little alone time to soak and relax, I told myself, pleased with the new, calm Grouch.
I hadn’t even finished draining the tub and putting the bath toys away before I heard Stinker yelling, followed by Grouch’s cackles, coming from the hallway. Oh good grief! I diffused the situation and quickly whisked Grouch off to bed, his day was done, even if he wasn’t! As I tucked him into bed, he wrapped his little arms around me and apologized for being a handful. I nuzzled into his freshly washed neck and sighed.
Dear God, help me with this kid! I prayed silently and as if he heard me, Grouch pulled back, placed his little hands on my cheeks and looked me straight in the eye and said, ”Its okay mommy. I’ll grow up tomorrow. And when I’m big, I won’t make you crazy. I’ll be just like Dad, everything will be fine.”
Is your little one just like you or just like your spouse? Do you ever pray those silent, frustrated prayers?
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Michelle Clark is a stay-at-home domestic goddess by day, and full-time mommy-ranter at night on her other blog: Miss Banana Pants . She is passionate about life in general, raising Godly brats, and learning to see humor in the woes of parenthood. She resides in Oklahoma City with her rockstar hubby and two ridiculously cute toddler boys, Mr. Grouchy Pants and Stinker. She also loves knock-knock jokes. And pina coladas. And getting caught in the rain.
Oh yes. There is a bit of me in both of my children. I love the good bits and when I see the bits I don’t like in them they remind me of who I am. I think all parents have these thoughts. I loved the blog. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the comment, Naomi. Don’t you hate that part of parenting!? When we get to see all of our own little faults in these little people and know, OH. . .he probably got that from me. I think it helps us see our kids the way God sees us. I’m glad I’m not the only one who experiences this!