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I laugh when my child cries.
Before you call the Mommy Police, let me explain.
I really hate to hear my baby crying. Thankfully this time I'm blessed with a little guy who is pretty darn content and very easy to soothe. But when he's tired and we're driving somewhere, he often just loses it in the car. This is very frustrating to me, because I certainly can't hold him while I'm driving. I find myself getting so tense and stressed listening to this poor little boy crying his heart out in the seat behind me.
As he was wailing on the way to the library Friday, I thought, "He's crying like he's dying!" And then it hit me how silly that is. I'm not killing the poor kid; I'm just driving, and he's not happy about being stuck in his car seat. The ridiculous nature of the crying hit me, and I was able to see even a little humor in it.
That got me to thinking about all the silly things my kids will cry or otherwise protest about as they grow. Not getting the toy they want, having to go to bed, not being allowed to wear whatever inappropriate fashion is in style when Chickie hits middle school, having to turn off the TV and find something creative to do.
And when they grow up, will they be resentful of me for forcing them to ride in carseats, refusing toys, enforcing bedtime, helping with clothing choices, and turning off the TV? I doubt it. I mean, let's be realistic--I'm a normal, imperfect mom, and I'm sure I'll find plenty of genuine ways to make my kids resentful of me!
As I drove along, I found myself able to smile at all the silly things kids get upset about. And smiling about it was a lot more fun than stressing (and probably had a better effect on my driving.)
So...I do hate to hear my kiddos cry. But whether it's an infant who wants to be in Mommy's arms instead of the car seat, or a teenager who is learning that the world doesn't revolve around them, kids will cry about ridiculous things. That's part of growing up. And maybe learning to laugh at it is part of me growing up, too.
8 comments:
That's great! I wish I had read that when my children were younger I wouldn't have felt so bad ... maybe.
Last night, my toddler had a textbook meltdown b/c he couldn't untie the dish towel on it (that we use for childproofing. Yep.) My husband and I lost it, both cracking up so hard we were tearing up. Unfair, I know. But funny!
I have to admit to stressing out over my little man melting down in the backseat, especially the time I was stuck in traffic for 45 minutes of screaming. Ugh. The terrible part is that I really struggle not to laugh at him when he's crying over 'the silly things'. Especially because he's sooo cute when he screws up his face in frustration when I'm not doing what he wants. Right. Now! The worst is when he's trying to get away with something he knows he's not supposed to do and he kind of watches me out of the corner of his eye while his hand wanders closer to the forbidden item (usually an electronic of some sort). I just about chewed a whole in my cheek the other day while trying desperately to hold onto my 'stern' face.
Zilla makes me want to laugh sometimes because you can tell in his face that he's trying REALLY hard to be mad and serious about whatever little injustice he's facing at the moment! His crying doesn't get to me but his temper does!
I guess we all continue to grow - even the adults!
What a great, healthy philosophy for a mommy!
When my kids scream or have tantrums, I laugh because if I don't I know I will lose it. Laughing helps me unload lots. Thnx.
I wouldn't guarantee that turning off the TV won't give them a complex! My youngest is now 20 and he still cries when the TV goes off.....
you forgot not being able to go to a really awesome concert for whatever reason. Your post just reminded me of my really stupid teenage crisis i had earlier today...
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