And her name is Ella. I love this child more than life itself. It is; however, good that I had two boys before having girls, or I may have never had another child. Raising my boys through toddlerhood was a much simpler task. I can handle active, rough-and-tumble boys, but the girl "drama" is another story.
Let me explain what I mean. I need to give a little history on myself, so you all understand why I deserve this. I was quite a needy, dramatic child. I cried over every "little" comment my siblings made and made myself a very easy target for their joking. I can also remember constantly hanging on my Mom's leg when I wanted something, and I was totally upset when she was unsympathetic and said, "Natalie, get off my leg!" I was also great at power struggles. I hated every hair-do my Mom gave me and ripped my hair out several times. I even passed out once because I was crying so hard over my hair-do. Mom, I'm so sorry!
Fast-forward 20 years, and I have Ella Jane Smith. She can be a sweetheart. She sings splendid songs and is a great performer. Her smile and a bat of her eyes can win over any crowd. She's absolutely adorable. But, I am not sure why I was chosen to raise this child, other than the fact that I must deserve the crying fits, total independence, and power struggles. Today, for example, we have already experienced tantrums over Noah hitting her, bumping her nose on a toy, taking a nap, doing her hair, wanting to wear a dress instead of pants, eating fruit snacks for breakfast, getting a sucker at the gas station, sitting in her brother's car seat, and which stuffed animals to take a nap with. It's only mid-day. I have about 5 more hours to go!
Does anyone have any good advice on raising girls and learning to sympathize with their emotions! I have a really hard time with it. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day, and maybe, just maybe, she'll outgrow this!
5 comments:
Make her "kiss and make up." She'll end up laughing so hard that she'll forget all about what the original fight was. Or she'll figure a way to secretly slip her hand in the middle of the kiss, thus tricking her mother into thinking it actually happened. Just be glad she hasn't discovered "digging" yet. I still have your fingernail prints in my arm.
I love what I learned from Love and Logic. Check out the link on my blog. It's Katie (Love and Logic)
Boys are just as difficult at times. Ashton's and my personalities clash so bad at times, I seriously wish I could sell him to the zoo!
I'm totally with you on this one. I don't know if I can stand one more weeping, screaming tantrum. Sorry, I don't have any advice. But if you find the magic cure, could you please share it with me?
Natalie, I am so right with you on this. The good news is that I don't think it is all girls because both of mine aren't this strong-willed; I could probably count the number of tantrums Talia has thrown in her life on my fingers, while I can't even count the number of tantrums Makaela throws in one day!
It's good to know that someone else understands, we should talk sometime.
Good luck!
Nat, You are an amazing mum. I enjoyed our visit today. and, i think ella is amazing. You know, I think she's just like us when we're pregnant or hormonal. I can remember telling chad once with baby #3 after crying for, like an hour because I was so sick of all the contractions, etc., that I "just...need a hug" Try that once in a while (right...you just hit me...I think you need a hug?). Other than that, no advice. I'm a bit of a crap parent, myself. I'm just along for the ride. Maybe she can come spend the day at aunt shell's. We'll take her and maya somewhere. (and jack...and noly....)
Post a Comment