Finn and I have been having a rough go of things. He is three and a half now and knows what he wants: the complete opposite of anything we/I might ask or need to do. In all honesty I am tired, of fighting, of yelling, of bargaining etc... as he puts it, sometimes we are just not friends anymore. I know though, deep down, that most of this is my fault. I am paying twice for all the times I/we say yes when it should be no. I am too emotionally attached to "the nap" and when it doesn't happen, such as almost every home day, I just want to cry. In fact I want to just sit on the carpet and cry, way too frequently.
Often, if I just let go of things; scrap the program and start something new, we can make it through the day without tears (on my part). Last week was extremely trying and in the end we baked this little cakes with lavender oil and strawberries.
I even made these tiny flags to decorate with crayons. The drawing didn't really happen but the playing went on and on.
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Don't be so hard on yourself, you aee his mummy and you happen to be human too.
You love him and thats why its hard to always follow tbrough with the 'nos'. He is finding his place in thw world, his boundaries and becoming a little boy not a toddler.
Take time for you too, because parenting is the most exhausting job we do, because we care so much about doing it right x
Posted by: Jo | September 29, 2011 at 11:31 AM
I hear you on this one Juliette. I too have a three year old and am facing the same struggles. I also have a seven year old and know that it gets so much better pretty soon...although then there are new challenges, but their emotional instability will definitely get better!
Posted by: Taryn | September 29, 2011 at 01:52 PM
you know what ? my boys stopped to nap when they were two. Before that we went on and on and on with fights at nap time, I was exhausted, I couldn't stand mor yielling whatsoever. So I stopped to ask the nap time (just a quiet time with a book on the sofa) and by 7 o'clock, after early diner I would have them deeply asleep, quietly after a story.....and the night for myself an hubby.
Posted by: Tiphaine | September 29, 2011 at 04:53 PM
That's okay! Love that he had fun with the project. His perspective is way different than us crafty mamas'. Some blog posts out there can make me (maybe some others too) feel like terrible mothers. But this Soulmama post made it seem so much better. http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2009/03/oldest-youngest.html Thanks for being honest.x
Posted by: Sarah Vine | October 02, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Sorry I missed this! Been spending less time on the computer.
I remember rocking my son (age 3) and daughter (just weeks old) for over an hour until they both fell asleep because I NEEDED THEM TO SLEEP! Once they fell asleep though I was stuck in the chair with them because they were too heavy to lift into a bed. But it was so wonderful to have that hour of quite once they were asleep! Life definitely has it's ups and downs with child rearing. I find that when I have plans that go wrong or I'm tired and no one will listen to me that I am the most frustrated. Sometimes you just need to leave the room, throw a little tantrum and come back with a new attitude to make things work. (((Hugs)))
Posted by: Lisa | October 03, 2011 at 09:04 AM
I wish I had seen this sooner. I too have had trouble with my little man. For everyone else he is all sweetness and sunshine and for me it is drama and disagreement. My mother in law told me that he is just finding his independence. And I feel that is true. I just wish it wasn't at my expense. He is 4, and is sweet and compassionate when he can be, and can make me want to run for cover when he isn't. It will pass. Acknowledge it and give yourself time to process it. Before you know it you will be in a different stage. Good luck.
Posted by: April | October 05, 2011 at 04:36 PM
When my son was turned three, he thought he didn't need naps anymore either (but I DID). So we made a deal.. I didn't care if he actually napped, but he had to be in his room having quiet time (for him as much as me) and it was a lifesaver!! We both lived through it and now he's a wonderful 17 yr old kid!!! Just remember.. this too shall pass! :)
Posted by: mary | October 08, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Ok, just another mama of a 3 1/2 year old to tell you that we are in the exact same spot. I hear ya on the arguing and bargaining. I totally understand what you're saying about the naps that are almost given up but really still needed (for mama and child). I'm trying to savor the sweet moments and give him the chance to express his preferences and independence when the stakes are low. Good luck!
Posted by: Kirsten W | October 09, 2011 at 06:50 PM
I can't find where to ask questions so I will try here. Are your items copyrighted. I was going to make the Crumb Catchers to sell to help my daughters with money for day care. They are both teachers and money is tight. I watched the babies last year but they are too much for me on a regular basis so I am looking for other ways to make money to help them. The Crumb Catcher is a great item. Thanks. My email is [email protected]
Posted by: Patricia Burke | October 10, 2011 at 08:55 AM