Brings back memories of sitting on the floor of a bedroom shared by 4 girls and relishing their forgiveness after I had erupted at them, once again. The sweet times far outweigh the painful times, and all parents need the grace to embrace this themselves.
It's such a dance. I've found that my son responds better to "the environment" asking the question when it comes to guiding him to activities (but like all "advice," this doesn't even work for me all the time). Like, he'll come try to come play with a new game or long-buried toy if it's just *ambiently available* and I'm using it, but as soon as I verbally ask him if he wants it, he shies away and wants to say no. Sigh.
I think Sarah Radz recently tweeted about how much of parenting is creatively engendering cooperation and how it's not a matter of children being automatically compliant for most of us.
You're doing a great job, and playing on hard mode when your sleep is interrupted. The mistakes are features, not bugs, when there's no path to a fully-rested Mom, so try to take that responsibility off yourself and put it on the situation, whenever you can. Like, do make progress on things that matter to you when progress is possible, but when you're this sleep-deprived, some of the journey must be simply survived. <3
I have an almost four year old who spent his first couple years in much the same way. The running around while sick part is always especially hard because usually you're sick too. Thanks for sharing. Always a delight to read your writing.
It’s shocking how much kids are observing, how they pick up on things even when it seems like they’re in their own little world. As parents, we gotta be careful what we say!
Brings back memories of sitting on the floor of a bedroom shared by 4 girls and relishing their forgiveness after I had erupted at them, once again. The sweet times far outweigh the painful times, and all parents need the grace to embrace this themselves.
It's such a dance. I've found that my son responds better to "the environment" asking the question when it comes to guiding him to activities (but like all "advice," this doesn't even work for me all the time). Like, he'll come try to come play with a new game or long-buried toy if it's just *ambiently available* and I'm using it, but as soon as I verbally ask him if he wants it, he shies away and wants to say no. Sigh.
I think Sarah Radz recently tweeted about how much of parenting is creatively engendering cooperation and how it's not a matter of children being automatically compliant for most of us.
You're doing a great job, and playing on hard mode when your sleep is interrupted. The mistakes are features, not bugs, when there's no path to a fully-rested Mom, so try to take that responsibility off yourself and put it on the situation, whenever you can. Like, do make progress on things that matter to you when progress is possible, but when you're this sleep-deprived, some of the journey must be simply survived. <3
To forgive oneself is not easy, but we learn!
Maybe Murphy’s first name was Ben. Ben’s Law: Young children want to imitate mommy except when it comes to sleeping undisturbed through the night.
This is so familiar and true. Knowing each day is a fresh start, and showing our kids that, is so important.
I love this thank you 😊
I have an almost four year old who spent his first couple years in much the same way. The running around while sick part is always especially hard because usually you're sick too. Thanks for sharing. Always a delight to read your writing.
It’s shocking how much kids are observing, how they pick up on things even when it seems like they’re in their own little world. As parents, we gotta be careful what we say!