Being a parent is a wonderful journey. There are lots and lots of good moments like being told that ‘ou awesome’ by your two year old or being told ‘Luv you, Mom’ by you other two year old or being given high five after high five by your other two year old or that you are your five year old’s ‘my best friend’.
But being a parent also means that your flaws are put out there as well. You know, those little things about your personality that you don’t like. The ones that come out when you are under stress. Kids have a way of picking up on those things.
For me, it is my mouth.
When I get stressed out and feel overwhelmed, I begin to lash out. I am quick tempered and the filter between my brain and my mouth, just stops working. I yell and say some things at the kids that in a calmer state, I probably would regret.
This was never more apparent to me then when we were all in the car the other night. Lately, Hayden has become more and more annoyed with Claire and her talking. And really, I don’t blame him. Its like this little girl has a word quota that she has to reach each day. And since, her vocabulary is not that big, she repeats the same word or words over and over and over again. This can be maddening, especially in a small minivan.
So I guess when Hayden channeled me and screamed, “CLAIRE! SHUT YOUR MOUTH!” It shouldn’t have been a surprise but it was. And it was down right painful to hear.
I hated that he said it but I knew and understood why. He was just dealing with the stress like I do. I am his example for what to do and he was following it perfectly.
I was speechless and just sat there stunned. Thankfully, Jeff was in the car and chimed in.
“Hayden, that is really not a nice thing to say. I know that you hear Mommy and Daddy say that but we shouldn’t say it either. We will try and do a better job. Now, you need to nicely ask your sister to stop.”
“Alright, Dad.” Hayden said. “Claire? Will you please shut your mouth?”
I quickly covered my mouth to smother my snickers as Jeff said, “Well, I guess that is a nicer way to say it.”
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