Sunday, September 28, 2008

I get so EMOTIONAL!

So I have continually felt like S#1 and I see the world differently. There are many and I mean many days when I feel like I am pounding my head against a concrete wall when it comes to parenting her. It has been very challenging. When discussing this with a woman I visit teach, she reminded me that challenging experiences are one of the reasons we came to this earth. I know she is right.


Anyhow, with all of this said, one of my frustrations is that S#1 hasn't seemed to care much about how what she does impacts others. I am pretty sure that her narcissism is completely age appropriate, but the fact that her mother is a BIG time pleaser has created a mismatch so to speak. Of late she has now turned into Miss Emotional. Although sometimes totally over the top, it's kind of a breath of fresh air. It's been so good for me to see this softer side of her and she has really demonstrated kind feelings towards others. HOORAY, we are both making use of this challenging time-eh?

14 comments:

cherlyn and family said...

I get emotional too. I hope you are doing well.

Ashley K. said...

I liked your comments. I think it is important to try and see the world through the very big yet small eyes of a 4 year old. I often find myself feeling the same way with Bailey. Today for instance... I felt like all I was doing all morning was threatning to not take her to dance if she wouldn't stop teasing D-man.

I have to stop and remind myself what encompasses her world (toys, school, adventures, new things...)and try and use those tough moments as teaching moments (mainly for me) to demonstrate that I can get through the moment without screaming. It is amazing the reaction that I get from Bae when I try and let the spirit guide me through the moment instead of the frustration that Satan brings.

Sorry that was long and completely on another tangent... I know you know all of that, and you are an incredible mother.

Love you!
Ashley Heather

s g said...

this is such a cute post and I am totally singing along with Whitney's old tune. remaining calm does wonders for me in difficult situations, but I don't always have that much self-control, but I try to!

LizzyP said...

Parenting is so hard. That's what it comes down to. You have such great perspective.

Kaeli & Kyle said...

Oh Andrea you are so cute! As is youre sweet little daughter! You are such a cute mom! I hope I can be like you when I have little ones!

Kaeli & Kyle said...

So you have a Maes Place blog? I would love to be invited to that :) And Yes, feel free to share my loony list with ANdrew :)

gardening said...

Andrea,
I was thinking about raising my kids when I read your last post. I remember a time when Kaeli was in kindergarten. I had done her hair and she yanked it out!! The pony tail was not perfectly "snug"! It made me crazy! (the bus was on its way) Things like that happened more than once. Wouldnt wear certain socks, etc... Don wondered why I couldnt get a long with a 5 year old! Kaeli had a strong will. As I have watched her go through life, I have seen how that will has served her well. She gets in and gets things done, doesnt get side tracked, and knows what she wants. She has goals, works hard and achieves. I think having a stronger personality is not all bad, we just have to work to direct them. Funny, Kaeli has turned into a HUGE pleaser with all of us! I have to remind her now that she worries too much! Your doing a good job. Just dont stress too much. Youve gotta love kids with "personlity" They turn out to be some of the funnest people of all! Your doing a great job!
Love Kellie

Mona said...

This goes back to our conversation today... I am hoping that boys are easier to raise and by not having a daughter I can avoid emotional drama. Boys are easier, right?! (I am really hoping)And, it seems like you are handling it WAY better than I would.

Brooke said...

Savannah has been REALLY emotional lately, too. Maybe it is an age thing! You are a great mom, Andrea. I keep thinking of our conversation about how it really was easier to parent our generation, how there are so many different expectations, etc. put on us. It really is true - my mom said the other day, when I was feeling guilty about letting my kids watch a movie while I did dishes, "It isn't going to hurt them." I didn't tell her, but I wanted to say, "You haven't read the latest article in Parents magazine about the effects of television on children!" What a world we live in . . .

gardening said...

Hey cute moms, (this is fun!)
I was reading your posts and I find the topic of parenting really interesting. I am no expert by any means, but I remember times when I had just had it and was completely at the end of my rope while raising little kids. I could not wait to throw in a movie! In fact, I put movies in even when I HAD NOT had it! They enjoyed the break and I enjoyed not having to worry for an hour or so about what they were doing! It was good for all of us. Brooke mentioned the effects movies have on children that she had read in parenting magazine. I agree that encouraging being a couch potato and watching movies all day long is not good. I do think however, moderation in all things is good. Including movie watching. It does seem like a lot is expected of raising kids now days. I wonder if sometimes parents feel like they have to keep up with each other as far as what their kids know. It is a competative world for sure. But sometimes kids need down time as do their cute moms! Go ahead and pop in that movie!! You will all feel better afterwards because of the little break!! And...DONT feel guilty about it. We are too hard on ourselves. I gave up the guilt a long time ago!! With parents like you guys, your kids will be just fine! After all, mine, so far have turned out and I didnt even read Parenting magazine! You are all great moms! Love ya, Kellie

Cailean said...

I just know we are given kids to teach us just like we are supposed to teach them. Sometimes the lessons we learn about ourselves are hard. But for the most part I think parenting is supposed to be fun. I KNOW S1 and S2 are growing up to be awesome individuals because you guys are awesome so they have genetic and environment on their side! We just gotta sit back and enjoy the ride :)

Jenni said...

You're doing awesome girl! S (both S's) are super blessed to have such a great mom!

Krif said...

I know how you feel and all I can say is "pray a lot." This is how I get through my days.

Eric and Tiffany Kerbs said...

Andrea-
It was soooo good to hear from you. I would love to hear more about the Drew family. So, keep in touch with the blog.
As for parenting a 5 year old girl who's emotions are like a roller coaster, well let's just say I have one of those myself. Everyday is a new adventure in the Kerbs home.
I hope all is well.- Tiffany