Pushing my Buttons
Wednesday, July 30th, 2014From Wednesday Mom: Janelle
This summer I have spent a lot of time with my two boys. Most days they are wonderful, but some days they can really test my patience. After a long day of parenting, my younger likes to test the limits. By late afternoon, he gets tired and his sweet personality can give way to a more demanding kid. He is smart, and he knows how to push my buttons to get the snack or movie he wants. I love him to death, but sometimes I can’t handle the incessant whining – especially when I am tired, too.
This weekend my husband and I went to a wedding and we left the boys with my parents. We spent some well-needed time alone and my kids got to spend time with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The wedding was wonderful, but I was also curious to hear how our kids behaved under the care of their extended family.
I was a little worried that Tate would show his dark side and overburden my already busy parents. When we got home I asked for an honest assessment of his behavior from my mom and sisters. They acknowledged that they disciplined Tate for his behavior a couple times, but nothing too severe. My mom assured me that all six of her grandsons had been particularly rowdy, but understood that six boys playing together is guaranteed to cause some raucous. Although Tate had a few behavior episodes, he managed to demonstrate some good manners and help around the house. I’d say that is a good balance for his actions.
I’m glad my husband and I got some time to ourselves last weekend, but I am happier that our kids got to spend some quality time with their family, without pushing anyone else’s buttons.