Updates

I just thought I'd get that gymnastics thing off the top of the page.
I really have nothing to write. Well...actually, I've got something.

E had a meltdown last week at the library because she couldn't get a book. It was the classic kicking-screaming-spitting-yelling thing as I carried her out of the library. On the drive home, she yelled at me and kicked at me the entire way. She called me stupid. She then proceeded to throw an all-out tantrum for 2 1/2 hours at home. Non-stop. It was crazy, but was a good dose of reality for me.

I think it stemmed from a lot of pressure she's been under (from me), and rather than tell me when she's upset, she bottles it up, only to inevitably explode. I have to remember to back way off, even when I want to "encourage" her to try harder. I put encourage in quotations, because let's face it, I can be pushy.

She went to her room at 4:15 after the library for a time-out, and stayed there until the next morning. That next day she got no toys, books, basement time (we have a great finished basement that is essentially a kid's playroom), treats, or gymnastics that night. Plus, she got a 2-hour time-out in lieu of her gymnastics. She didn't get any of her toys back until four days later.

She is still without treats, a week later.

It was a horrific tantrum, and one that I won't soon (or ever) forget, but it was valuable. I learned a lot about E through it, and realized that she is starting to really exert her own personality and desires. She doesn't know quite how to deal with frustration yet (biggest understatement of the year so far), but she's showing that she wants more control in her life, and for that I'm grateful.

We talked with E about what caused her blow-up, and told her about areas where she has control in her life, and areas where I have control. It was a great talk, and amazingly, she seemed to totally comprehend the whole thing. And she seemed relieved.

On a lighter note, at least I gave some other parents at the library that "At least my kid's not as bad as her's" feeling. I aim to please.