Really stressful day...

[Jenifer]

Wow. That's the only word I have to describe this day.

Joy had THREE potty accidents at school. She is completely potty trained, but apparently misplaced her ability to make it to the toilet today.

Then tonight we went to the gym and in Kids' Club she hit two kids and bit another. They actually came into the weight room and asked me to take my daughter home. That hurt.

I guess kids have bad days just like adults, and because of Joy's lack of communication skills, acting out is her only way to express her frustration. I imagine the boy she bit wasn't sharing, but I have no proof so I won't even go there.

I had a choice tonight...I could have lost my patience and dealt harshly with my daughter, or I could have put myself in her shoes. I realized that sometimes life is hard even when you're four, so I decided to have compassion and the evening turned out pretty good, despite her refusal to eat dinner and the meltdown she had before bed. Nonetheless, I took her to bed, read her some books, sang to her and stayed with her til she slept.

I'm not always this patient, so I'm proud of myself. I am consulting a professional to learn to manage my stress, and this is a sign that it's working. I love my daughter and I don't want to be a bad example to her. But I sure do hope tomorrow is a better day for both of us...

Thanks for listening!

Jenifer, mom to Joy

[donnita]

Good luck tomorrow, for you and Joy!

[donnita]

oh, I guess that should actually be "good luck today!"

[Emilysmom]

Jenifer~
Sounds like you handled the stress of this very rough day very very well. All we can do is take one day at a time. And you are SO right.............kids have rough days and things that cause them frustration just like we do and who knows what upset Joy yesterday. Since it was not like her at all, it had to be something and it has to be so hard to not be able to just say what's wrong. Hopefully, you're already on your way to a much better day today!!! And, I haven't commented (not sure how to use the comment section of our new photo album) but the photos of Joy are SO good! She has grown from an adorable toddler to an even MORE adorable preschooler!!!

Susan

[Ericsmomma]

Jenifer,
Sounds like you handled it very well! It can be overwhelming at times, both for the parent and the child. You are moving in the right direction, and hopefully, day by day, things will get better.
Eric went through that biting, hitting experience in the beginning of the school year. I was getting notes home all the time about his behavior. And he also is non-verbal, so I agree its probably frustration that drives his actions. He has gotten better, so hang in there.

[momofrussell]

You sound like a PRO!!! Sorry you had a rough day... yes, we all have them and I like how you put yourself in your child's shoes. I try to do that... although my 12 yr old gets my blood boiling more then I would like to admit... I am a patient person but not with her LOL... it IS an art form isn't it!!!!

good for you and here is hoping it was JUST for that day!!!!!

A.

[SuziF]

Jennifer,
Maybe she's getting a cold or something & just wasn't feeling herself. I know sometimes that's happened with Meri.
Hope today's a better day !
Suzi

[MB]

Jennifer,

So sorry to hear of your bad day. Hope tomorrow is better.

mb

[CC]

You said "I guess kids have bad days just like adults" I couldn't AGREE more. I have always looked at kids as just "little people" and like any of us have good and bad days

Hopeing today was a better day for all ;D

CC ~

[ALLISA]

Jennifer....hope your week perks up....I'm sure it will based on your reaction to Joy....stressing out would have caused her EVEN more frustration and acting out & I'm guessing you circumvented that by being cool & in charge.

By the way.... I think that for a 4 year, her behavior & potty use are great ! Maybe that kid in daycare will learn to share now that he learned his lesson !! LOL JUST KIDDING !! I'm definteily not condoning biting ! LOL