I just got both children into bed for afternoon naps. Emma is sleeping, Mary is still chatting. And I was sitting down to vent about how tough it is to be the mother of a three and a half year old. But, I’m feeling pressure to get downstairs and deal with the mess–lunch dishes, laundry piles to be folded, mail spilled on the floor, toys, emma’s half-finished glue projects…Instead I’ll post a picture of a monarch butterfly that I found on a bush at my mother-in-law’s house yesterday. I was out there beating off the bees, crouched in the bush, waiting for it to open its wings for a good shot. I got one shot of open wings, but in the end liked this one the best.
I will save my vent for my husband when he comes home, but will just say now, for my own mental relief, that being a mother of a three and a half year old is hard. I love her. I adore her. I think she is creative and funny and intriguing. But, today is just one of those days–on the floor-screaming temper-tantrum in the grocery store, complete defiance at nap time, unnecessary messes at lunch, lack of kindness to her little sister. Everything must be on her terms, no does not mean no, but "well, can I LATER?", dramatic sighing and displays of temper….I wonder sometimes who is having the bad day–me or her? Do I just lack my usual level of patience or is she having an unusually disobedient day?
Well, my downstairs is calling, so I will give my own version of a dramatic sigh now," ahhhhh" and move on with a better attitude. A little cleaning is good for the soul. (Oh, and both children napping is good too…)
as a mother of a soon to be 4 four old, i understand those days you are talking about! but now that she’s in preschool 3 days a week it’s been good for her and myself
Oh no, so it doesn’t end by then? Owen has been super tough lately too. What do you do when she has her tantrums? Both in public and when she has them at home. I feel at a loss lately and could really use some mommy advice.
loving that shot of the butterfly. I have been seeing them all over lately… they always make me so happy.
boy, kids can be so tough at that age. make you wanna pull your hair out yet you love em to pieces. some days are tougher than others, too. hopefully, tomorrow will be better.
Oh… I admire your strength. My mother raised 9 kids and I am so so scared to raise one! Good luck and hopefully you can have a pampering day soon!
I can SOOOO relate to how you are feeling. Jack is 2 1/2. Sometimes I think I’m going to have a mental breakdown. It is so hard sometimes I think I was never ment to be a mother because I just cannot handle all the whining and crying and fits, but then the good days come and I’m alright. Hang in there, It’s hard being a mother.
the children napping is the best ever….mine JUST lay down.
wow, i can relate.