I remember when the Kindergartener and especially when the Preschooler arrived at the age and stage where they started expressing themselves with a little more emotion… more gusto. A little bit of attitude started to rear its ugly head. I’d say most all mothers remember when their children arrived at this point because it changes everything. And, it makes all your days much more unpredictable because you never know when something that seems very minor might instantly evolve into something very major.
I think it’s safe to say our youngest has hit that stage.
Yesterday it began with a simple misunderstanding about Cheerios. I knew she wanted something in her little bowl.
But, I misunderstood her wishes. So, she promptly {but quietly} began to dump those out in the kitchen.
Apparently she was not fooled by the fact that my bowl had granola in it while hers merely had Cheerios. Who needs to use words when you can communicate much more dramatically using non-verbal cues? And, then act like you’re completely innocent of over-reacting?
The Cheerios incident was minor. More often when she doesn’t get her way {usually at the most inopportune times in the most public of settings}, she stretches out, stiffens her whole body, grunts until she turns red, and launches into a full-blown fit over the issue. The child in me understands this approach to working out one’s frustration. It would be much easier if we could have our way all the time. But, the adult in me wants to say, “Really, you need to get a grip. Right. Now. Because these fits are very unbecoming, not to mention ineffective.” But, I don’t think she would hear me on that.
And, while I’m on the topic of over-reacting… the Preschooler and the Kindergartener were playing outside last night when they both came rushing to the back door obviously angry and both fighting to tell me their side of the story first.
“She won’t let Sally have the baby!!”
“Well, Sarah already had the baby. So, Sally doesn’t need to have a baby, too!!”
“It’s not fair!! Sarah had the baby first!”
All of this would be worth sorting out if only Sally or Sarah were either one REAL people. But, instead, they are imaginary playmates.
There’s nothing like trying to resolve an argument involving imaginary people. It’s a lot like trying to reason with their sister about why she can’t eat the rocks at the playground. It’s hopeless, really.
In the end, I think the only solution is that everyone go to time-out for awhile… including Sally and Sarah.
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