“Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.”

–C. Everette Koop

 

Parenting is hard.  It is rewarding, challenging, exhausting, yet provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose in life.  I always believed I was destined to be a Mom.  But I had no idea how hard it would be.  You want your children to grow up to be respectful of others, productive in society, and a well-rounded compassionate person.  But how exactly do you do that?  How do you get that far?  I’m stuck in toddler-hood and feel like I’m spinning in circles.  My once sweet, darling daughter is still sweet most days, but on others, add in a touch of drama queen, attitude, and emotions running high and you’ll get Ashley as a 2-year old.  It is absolutely insane.  I can’t get on the phone anymore without having to step outside because Ashley is screaming at the top of her lungs.  She gets mad anytime my attention diverts from her.  And should my attention go elsewhere, she is determined to get it back even on bad terms.  Our grocery trips and errands go well for the most part, but some days she freaks out because she wants whatever goody I just put in the shopping cart.  Other times, she wants to be carried and not walk.  Like on the days we go to the dry cleaners and I am carrying an arm’s full of clothes.  Pregnant lady carrying a 30 lb. toddler in one arm and pile of clothes in the other = not fun.  And other days she is just moody for no good reason.  Whether it’s throwing a tantrum because she doesn’t want to get dressed in the mornings, or opening the pantry door whining and crying until I give her what food she wants.  Oh, and the whole technology thing is a problem, too.  Remember my Apple Addict post?  Well, I wasn’t kidding.  She really is addicted to technology.  I can’t even get my laptop out anymore to check email without her trying to steal it from me to watch Laurie Berkner on YouTube or watch her birthday video over and over again.  Or she’ll snag my iPhone to look through pictures and videos on there.  She would spend hours on it if I let her.  And good luck getting it back once she has it.  She keeps a death grip on that thing!  Sure, you can call it the “terrible two’s” or a result of 2-year molars coming in, or my raging pregnancy hormones that have thrown all patience out the window; but the fact of the matter is that parenting a 2-year old is hard work!

My main problem here is that – a) I like making everyone happy.  The dogs want to lay on the leather couch?  Sure, go ahead.  It is tearing up the couch but at least they are comfortable and happy.  b) Ashley wants an Oreo cookie or two right before dinner?  Sure, we have them so why deprive her?  It makes her happy.  c) Ashley wants to play videos on my iPhone all day?  Sure, go ahead.  It’s entertaining her so I can clean the kitchen; or d) Ashley wants to feed the dogs her snacks as they chase her around the house?  Sure, that’s a fun game and the boys love Cheerios!  But when I took Blake to the vet for his yearly exam yesterday and found out he gained 15 pounds since last year, it’s not all fun and games anymore.  Poor thing now weighs 100 pounds!  Eek!  So he has to go on a diet and I have to get Ashley to stop feeding him.

I love being a Mom and I love Ashley more than anything, but it’s hard figuring out where to draw the line.  Especially for me because I’m not a good disciplinarian.  I’m not consistent when I do discipline her.  And I end up giving in to her wants, just to make her happy.  But the problem is that I am creating a monster.  She may only be two years old, but boy does she have me figured out!

I must regain control in my life.  I feel like everyone runs this house but me – the dogs, the cat, Ashley.  No one listens to me.  Well, I’m not rolling over playing dead anymore.  This is MY house.  I am MOM!  So, I am going to write up a list of house rules and follow through with them.  I am going to implement time-outs again even if Ashley laughs at me.  I am going to make the dogs get off the couch.  And most of all, I am going to be a better Mom, and hopefully raise a better daughter because of it.

Wish me luck!