Through the Seasons

Now I Get It

I used to see people with these whiny kids (usually at restaurants or in stores) and wonder why they put up with such behavior.  I didn’t pretend to know the answer but it always made me ponder.

But.  Now I get it.

Kids are so persistent and relentless.  They don’t give up.  They don’t tire.  They push and push and push.  They insist.  And honestly sometimes it’s just easier to give in knowing the crying/screaming/whining will stop (at least temporarily).  It’s hard to outlast and endure.

But I’m trying.  I’m holding on.

Asher is 22 months old now and just displaying these “2-year-old” kind of behaviors.  At first I was so shocked by them I couldn’t cope.  I was scrambling to keep up with where he was heading developmentally.  (Aren’t they supposed to start acting like 2 year olds after they turn 2!?)  I didn’t have a strategy because I didn’t expect the behavior.

I’ve regrouped though and it’s already paying off.  Even if my tactics weren’t working he still has so many sweet, adorable moments I could never been frustrated with him long. And if nothing else at least now I understand why parents give in to the tantrums out of sheer exasperation.  I think the next time I see a frazzled mother with a screaming child I’ll offer up a prayer for her and maybe even stop to buy her an ice cream cone.  Or offer to babysit.  Hmmm…  Or maybe not.