Meltdown

So, yesterday was fully one of those "Mom" days! The kind of day where no matter what happens, everything seems to be against you. It started off great - I headed down to Granville Island to meet a friend with the boys. We walked, played, ate lunch and then headed back to the car. When I got back to the car, I found that some person decided it would be nice to park on a complete angle rather than straight in the spot. I wasn't able to open the door to get the kids in, so I had to squeeze myself into the drivers seat and attempt to pull the car out. I got it out enough to put the kids in and then my friend helped to direct me out of the spot. It probably took about 15 minutes as there was a truck directly behind me that was sticking out an then this car beside me and as I moved, I was literally inches from both vehicles! A bit frustrating, especially when you have people waiting to leave the parking lot while you are stuck.

So, we drove home from Vancouver, and I got the boys down for their naps. I wasn't feeling great so I decided to lay down for a nap and literally as soon as I got myself into the bed and closed my eyes, Liam woke up! Of course...so, up I got and tried to attend to my "to do" list. Then, when Landon woke up, I decided to run to Superstore to grab a few things I needed.

We got to Superstore, Landon walked around beside me the whole time and did really well. Then we got to the checkout and due to something I asked him to stop doing, he threw a very large fit - probably the worst one I have seen in his 2 years. I tried to get him into the stroller, as that is usually the consequence when he isn't listening while we are out and we've let him walk with us. Well, lets just say I wasn't able to get him in and had to leave the store, without my items, with a screaming child and what felt like the whole world, watching me. I even had a really nice lady offer to push the stroller for me, but I was so embarassed that I declined and walked myself to the car. (In hindsight, I wish I had accepted) I got to the car, had to call my mom to cancel the plans that I had with her, and drove my 2 year old home to his room.

Now, I know that most of us moms have had those days and I'm sure 80% of the people in Superstore felt my pain and had been there, done that, but in the moment, it feels like you are completely alone and everyone is very disapproving of you. But, I knew I had to "parent" and make sure my son knew there was consequences, even though it threw a wrench into my plans. I know my son has a very strong will, and Jason and I will often talk about how that piece of his personality will take him places when he is older, as long as we teach him how to use it properly. My husband was a very strong willed child, as his mother will attest to, and I look at him now and see how that strong will has taken him far and gotten him to where he is today.

So, even on those days where being a mom doesn't feel very fun, I'm remembering that each moment provides a teaching opportunity and if we choose to handle it well, our children will remember those moments and learn from them. I definately was angry and very frustrated, and unfortunately I probably let that show a bit too much. I'm so thankful for my husband, who came home, took care of dinner, and dealing with Landon for the rest of the evening! It was just one of those days - but today is a new day and I'm choosing to take it as it comes. I hope that all of you moms out there are enjoying your day today!