I always thought of myself as being very patient and even-tempered. However, I must say I don’t think I am. You know the story about the guy who said he had stopped stealing only because there wasn’t anything to steal? Well, one should never say they don’t do this or that until you’ve really been tested and you didn’t fall. I’ve never had my patience tested as far as this. My toddler munchkin is more than a handful. I really don’t know where all the energy comes from. It’s really exhausting and I find myself losing my patience most of the time and always screaming. She just doesn’t know when to stop. Everything is play for her and she’ll run around laughing when you want something done. I have to chase her to put her diaper on. I have to chase her to give her a bath. I have to chase her to eat her food (the only things I don’t have to beg her to eat are chicken and eggs). Even if she’s hungry, she’ll still make a play out of the whole thing before finally sitting to eat. Gosh!
I am just asking God for grace and more patience. I know this is the period for her to behave like this. My mom says that at this period, their ears are for fancy. I totally agree. The thing is that I don’t think kids back home in Nigeria are this hyper. Is it something in the food here? Seriously. I’ve thought about that. Or is it because back home you can just let the kid expend all its energy outside while here, the weather might limit what the kid can do? Or really is it that the kids are just as hyper and stubborn but only the house helps get to see it because they are the ones that spend the most time with them?
I can only understand with the house-helps back at home. Sometimes, you’ll scold them or even beat them for screaming and hitting the kids, but seriously, if I can feel this much frustration for my own kid, how much more can an outsider take?
I am begging God to help me change my attitude and maybe losen up some more. I really have decided to stop making an issue out of everything. If she doesn’t want to wear her dress, I don’t beg or force anymore. When she starts feeling cold, she’ll come for the dress. If she refuses her food or starts running around so I’ll chase her, I just put it away. After a while when she starts demanding juice, I just bring out the food and insist she eats it first. I think that’s the way to go. I’ll only insist on things I know will either harm her or her sister. The rest will just play itself out.
God help me!
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I pray God gives it to you
Thanks, dear. I hope He gives it to me too. I really need it.
Awwww….sorry ooo..may God grant u increased grace my dear sista. My uncle’s son can be that hyper-active too, we say he’s worth more than seven sons put together (lol). Children can be a handful really..
Totally love ur blog, just discovered it.
Hi Beulah, welcome and I’m glad you love my blog.
Lol @ your uncle’s son. Boys are a real handful. That’s why I can’t understand this one because she’s a girl. I don’t even have half the energy that she does. I’m so glad it’s summer, we’ll just pitch our tents outside the whole time!
Thot I was gonna hear your dear old voice when i clicked the listen tab. who is the old man. Write an article in Ibo. that would be a scream.
Nne m, sofry sofry with my namesake ehh. We capricorns are frisky, stubborn and whatnot you know?! She’ll get outta that stage soon enough. keep your head up!
p.s. I’ve always said I love babies till they re 1. If mine, I will farm the child out to grandparents or boarding home. Pls come back with your manners, potty trained and proper speaking abilities at 5. Yes, thank you
Okay, so I could not help laughing at this post. I know, I know, its supposed to be serious but I had to giggle a little. You asked if there was something in the water…I think its because when we are abroad we tend to get a little bit more permissive than we normally would if we were back home. And Kids Sense This. Yes-those munchkins are smarter than we giv them credit.
Anyway…more power to you. I think you are an awesome mother.
Way to go girl, otherwise you will age before your time. I have learnt that if it is not life threatening, it’s not worth fussing over. If there is one thing children teach you, it is definitely patience. Did you know they are able to go up to 48 hours without food and it won’t harm them? You are doing great, well done
@ Ginger, ah! if we could all have it that way it’d be ideal. Yep! it’ll be so much easier if they came potty trained, speaking and with good manners. I wish!
@ LucidLilith, awww! thanks for the vote of confidence. True, these munchkins really know more than we think and if we leave them, they’d just wrap up round their tiny fingers.
@ Justjoxy, my dear I realized that’s the best way to deal with these small pickins. No need to fuss unless it’s harmful. I really shall not age before my time. Thanks for the support.
Welcome to my world! It’s tough but thank God it’s a stage and that’s what kids should do at this stage. If she doesn’t run around now, you’d take her to the doctor to be checked out. If she doesn’t do it now, is it when she’s 5 that she’d begin running. Chill, my sister and don’t fuss over little things. Kids play. And everytime too!
Ohhh, I felt for you. My sister in law has three children and two are toddlers. She is totally frazzled at the end of the day. You will get the patience you’re praying for. It seems you’ve even found the way that works for you. Hang in there, this stage will pass before you know it.
Just read this and honestly i laughed out loud.On the other hand, I can imagine the stress you would have gone through.Children can be a handful….but a joy all the same.I cant help but wonder how i would cope when i have my own children. Anyway,i trust that God will grant us all the grace and patience to deal with them.
Well done
my dear, it’s not easy. That’s one of the reasons I miss Naija. At least you’ll have someone else to stay with them at times. 24/7 forced contact can be a bit nerve fraying. lol.
thanks for dropping by.