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I want to forewarn you this is a rant so you can either read on or move on!!!

Today was one of those days that i felt challenged as a parent.  My morning started with saying goodbye to my Mom and Day who had spent the past week visiting and then attempting to get out the door to take Eleanor to a class.  Since Mike was out of town this was my first go of getting out the door with both kids by myself.  I know to some it may not seem hard, but by the time I had the backpack, camera bag, purse, cooler, Camden in his car seat and keys in hand I was loaded down and had to get down the 2 flights of stairs and walk the block to the car, while asking Eleanor to hold on to my pant pockets.  It was quite a sight and the people walking by me could only laugh or stare, but I was very proud of myself and excited with this new accomplishment.

We took the dance class today, and score I only had to walk a block with everything from the car, and while Eleanor did great, we had to pop in and out because Camden, was not enjoying life at that time.  So I’m juggling keeping her in the class, holding on to him, running in and out to keep him happy and her involved (and the class was only 30 mins).

But this is where you’re tested as a parent to 2.  One child needs your attention so the other one has to try and be patient and wait for their turn.  You have to work at not losing your patience with the other since it’s not their fault.  As we were walking to the car Eleanor was starting to drift off and I found myself getting annoyed.  I’m loaded down, it’s hot, he’s crying, I want to scream “Get over here now” but know that I shouldn’t.  So I take a breath and say “I really need you to help Mommy out and stay with me.”  Then a very nice person offers to help me cross the street, which I should have just said thank you and handed her something, but wanted to prove I could do it.

Then later we went out to a few stores and this is where I was tested even more.  We went to Payless to get some shoes for the upcoming wedding and Eleanor was looking at all the options.  She found some Elmo and Cookie shoes and wanted to try them on.  So we did, but when I tried to take them off because they were too big, the tantrum started.  She refused to take the shoes off and then the screaming began and the tears.  I tried to sit with her and calm her, but we’re in a store and everyone is around and looking at me.  The sales girl tried to give her stickers (which I didn’t appreciate, since her behavior didn’t deserve a treat) and tell her there’s nothing to cry about.  This went on for a few moments and I told her we had to go, which sent bigger screams and tears, but she refused to walk, so I had to carry her the 4 blocks while she was screaming I want cookie monster, and everyone was looking at me.  This tantrum went on for a hour total and really tested me.  I was lucky when I got home that Mike was there, but she was just so worked up.

This was my first public hissy fit with her and I know it won’t be the last.  I felt like I was a horrible parent as people stared at me in the store and on the street.  It was uncomfortable and embarrassing.  It’s hard to think that something so silly can cause this.  All the while Camden was just sitting there hanging out and blowing raspberries.

A few hours after she calmed down we had a talk about her behavior and told her that was a hissy fit and that we don’t condone that behavior and it’s unacceptable.  I trust us in our parenting skills and methods, but today was a tough one.  Good thing tomorrow’s a new day.

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