Thursday, September 25, 2008

Guilt Trip

With the many adjustments taking place in our house these days, I find myself losing my patience a little more quickly. The other day I had sent Hank to timeout for misbehaving and had returned to discuss with him what he had done wrong and why I was upset. After our little discussion, I asked Hank if he understood. He responded by tapping his temples with his index finger and saying "[t]hink, [t]hink, [t]hink!" I honestly do not recall ever making that gesture or telling Hank to "think, think, think" but I asked him where he had heard that and he replied, "mama said it." Seriously, my heart just about broke. I know I get irritated with my cyclone of a 2-year-old sometimes, but I can't believe that I would have ever been so mean as to tell him to "think, think, think." Having my own words repeated to me definately made me more aware and cautious of the words I use. I never thought I would turn into a parent that would say things like that to their children. Half the time I swear my child is deaf because he doesn't respond to a single word I say, and then he goes and proves me wrong by repeating things that I never meant to say at all. I love my sweet Hanky and will try to remember this little episode next time I feel like I'm losing my temper.

5 comments:

mom and pops grover said...

Oh how I wish there were "do-over's!" I would have had many! Adi gave me good advice that I always try to remember. I'd forgotten to enforce a rule at their house with Seth. In her little 4yr old wisdom she said to me, "It's okay Grandma, even Mommy's and Daddy's make mistakes sometimes!" I've made hundreds and despite everything my kids have turned out pretty awesome, I think. Besides all that, they still love me! You're doing a great job with your little boys. Don't beat yourself up!

Kelli Radmall said...

Cute story-cute ice cream pics and Max pics. He truly is so adorable! Maybe Hank learned, "think, think, think" from Winnie the Pooh because I'm pretty sure he does that. But I know the feeling-as a teacher I lost my cool once in a while and felt awful. Also, if the worst thing that you say to your kids is, "think, think, think" I think you're doing a GREAT job!

Mindy said...

I was going to say the same thing. On the Winnie the Pooh show, oh the Disney channel they do that.

I can relate to your feelings so well though!!!

Maria Grover said...

Ya' know -- I opened up the comment box to suggest that maybe he learned it from Winnie the Pooh, but it looks like two others beat me to it! Pooh says that in almost every episode because he is (and I quote), "a bear of very little brain."

Vivid Vinyl said...

Courtney -

I love checking everyone's blog - it makes me feel connected to my family!

I will get Neal to make another CD and mail it out to you soon. It really is cool that you can can(jar) meat. And it's yummy - a lot like crock pot meat...although I suppose you wouldn't care about that, but Aaron would.