I have reached the point in my life where screaming children grate on my last nerve. I was in the grocery store today and a little boy (probably about 18 months) kept screeching. His parents have apparently learned to block out this ear-piercing scream, as they seemed completely unaffected and never broke from their conversation
And it now seems that I encounter a similar situation every single time I leave the house--which leaves me eternally grateful that my children are now big kids. I'm sure they had their moments when they were toddlers, but I don't recall allowing them to scream without recourse. And I can count on one hand the number of temper-tantrums they collectively threw.
I miss the cute snuggliness of their toddler years, but I really enjoy the freedom that we have now to get-up-and go, and to go all day if we want (and not have to pack up half the house!). I really enjoyed my shopping trips with the girls these past two days--something that would have been torture just a couple of years ago.
Of course, it's not all rainbows and butterflies. On Friday my nanny called me at work, distraught because the kids had let a stray dog into the house who was taking it upon itself to run around marking his territory--and they told her that I had said it was ok. Of course, I had told them no such thing (they texted me that they had found a stray, and I told them to put it in the backyard with water and that I would deal with it when I got home.) They ended up in a world of trouble--but at least they are old enough to reason with and appreciate why their actions were such a bad idea, once they were explained.
It seems like everyone I know if pregnant right now. A year ago, I might have had some major baby cravings. But in the last 6 months, they have completely disappeared. I got lots of sunggle time with my newborn nephew when MIL was in hospice. I enjoyed the sweet smell of a new baby--but I was awfully darn happy to give him back to his mama when he was inconsolable. And I'm awfully darn happy with my big girls.
3 comments:
YES! I was in Target the other day and a little girl (about 2) was SCREAMING the entire time I was in there. Both of her parents were there (ignoring her while leisurely perusing the aisles) so there was NO excuse for one of them to take her outside to calm down. It blows my mind. When I was little we were absolutely not allowed to act like that in public and Landon isn't either. Sometimes kids break down and when you're by yourself you can't do much about it- you just finish your shopping as fast as you can (while muttering threats under your breath as you go and then following through on those threats after you leave). I just don't get the ignoring terrible behavior in public-- it makes me feel old and cranky and I'm really not either! (you aren't either ;)
I am right there with you! Both on the intolerance with the screaming - which often comes with a lack of understanding how parents can tune out that way; I often see situations where it's just as disrespectful to the child who is clearly miserable as it is to the fellow customers. WHY can't you pick up your baby? WHY can't you just give her a little hug and make her feel better? - AND with the gratefulness over my own daughters' older ages. I could never, ever, go back to the baby days. And yet, I love my baby niece and nephew, and enjoy random opportunities to have an awesome conversation with a curious toddler.
Kids grate on my nerves, too. This pregnancy was a surprise and I have mixed feelings. I know I will adore the baby... but going back to those days is going to be hard!!!
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