My 2 and 4 year old were arguing and bickering over Disney fairy toys. Now, let me set the scene here for a moment. It was only 7:30am. They have both been awake since 6am, had their breakfast and were playing at the table. I was about to go shower so I could get my 4 year old off to school. All of a sudden I hear shrieking and crying. They are pulling each others hair and pushing one another off the bench in the kitchen. I gave them a warning and firm, "Girls, be nice. We have to share our toys." Well, they both looked at me like I had five heads and then proceeded to fight AGAIN. I lost it. I went over to the table, grabbed the fairies and put them in the trash. They both looked at me in amazement. They were shocked. My 4 year old stated, "Uh, Oh!" my 2 year old said, "Mommy put in trash."
I have no idea what got into me, but I had enough. The girls have so many toys there is absolutely no reason for them to argue over a fairy. I know, I know that is what happens. They always want what the other sibling has. I am not sure how I felt after this whole episode. I was embarrassed that I reacted the way I did and didn't keep my cool. On the other hand, I was thrilled I actually got their attention and it seemed to make an impact; if only for the day =)
Either way, I know it was not the parenting move of the year. Sometimes we do things that we shouldn't. I don't think I traumatized them and actually they have not even missed those two fairies. It's probably because they have a zillion more! Oh well, I read somewhere that as parents we have to just learn and move on. Hopefully, all three of us learned something yesterday.
Have you ever had one of these moments? Have you ever settled down for the night and thought I could have done better? Mom guilt is a terrible thing. I don't necessarily feel guilty though. Part of me is happy they listened. Part is sad I had to throw the toys away. The other part feels like I should not have to do that in order for them to listen.
Yes, parenting is a constant trial and error. I keep telling myself that as long as I am learning and becoming a better Mom; then every once in a while we will have a slip up.
Wishing ya'll a great weekend.
There is no such thing as a perfect parent so just be a real one! ~ Sue Atkins