I have never claimed to have this mommy gig all figured out, so I love to observe and just see where I fall on the Mom-O-Meter.
While out and about yesterday I observed the behavior and conversations of 3 moms.
Mom A
While in the line of the checkout, her daughter age 4 or so, began to whine and fuss. Mom offered this," If you don't stop it, I am canceling your birthday party tomorrow!"
Mom B
While shopping, a mom was describing to her young girlybug what Jiffy Pop popcorn was. She said,"I used to have that when I was little! You put it on the stove burner and move it around until it all pops up big and fluffy and then you burn your hand on the hot handle." They were laughing.
Mom C
This Momma was trying to fold and wrestle her two year old girly into the cart. Nothing doing. She put her older boy in the cart and took the girl by the hand.
Although I could hang with all of these moms, Mom B is more like me.
13 comments:
I choose B.
Jiffy Pop! Sigh, those were the days...
I was just going to say, you seem a lot like Mom B. : )
Thank you for being a "B" mom. I once had a friend--long ago--that used to tell her son, "If you don't stop it, I'm going to cal the police and have them arrest you!"
How fast do you think he figured that one out?
One of the most disobedient children I have ever known.
Can I just say in regards to Jiffy Pop, I believe it hails from Sioux City, Iowa. I was born there. Just some very, very useless trivia.
Hmm. I wonder... could Moms A, B and C (in theory) all represent the same mom having different types of days, and choosing their responses differently based on mood and/or circumstances? I haven't had any experience with hands-on parenting yet - certainly, it seems the ideal is to be as consistent as possible as a parent. But the thought of someone determining what kind of mom I am based on one observation is a little frightening. (Particularly if that observation were to take place anywhere near a grocery store). I'm just sayin'...
Not determining anything V. Just reporting my observations and realizing that Carla is more like Mrs. B. :)
Thanks for clarifying, Carla - didn't mean to sound finger-pointy. Just thinking of the mom who might read this and recognize herself in A or C in a recent weak moment - and find reason to accuse herself (even where you weren't). I'm sure everyone has an A or C day once in awhile. Glad to have your example, and others, as a 'B' though - I think it's healthy to believe we're doing a good job at whatever we do... And I'm sure a consistent 'B' is what most moms we know are shooting for.
To be fair-Mom B was not in a moment that required discipline either.
Katie,
Thanks for the UBI!!
"Useless bit of information," I love those, my head is full of them it seems! Ha ha!
I'm a combination. But I do love to be B and have great conversations with my kids.
I've just accepted that somedays, I am that mom that everyone feels sorry for and no one wants to be - carrying a screaming infant while pushing a cart with a whining/tantrumming toddler while often debating the "it's not fairs" with my pre-teen.
I've had so many moments...
This post was too funny!
Sissy used to stand up in the cart at age two and I'd tell her to sit; of course she had to test limits and I had to lay down the law. I gave her a little pinch (some mom advice I got from a friend *sigh*). THat worked for about two trips, then she hollered, "YOU PINCHED ME!" *L*
Once she hauled off & punched me (out of anger) right in the face when she was in the cart! She'd been misbehaving and I got right up in her face to give her "what for" in my " Don't let my whisper fool you, you're in trouble" voice. Oh my goodness, I was absolutely floored. Needless to say, we left IMMEDIATELY. I never would have imagined...
I have 2 cents
(finally, I can leave you comments again!)
Anyway, for those kids that fall into the realm of hmmm, what's the word... strong-willed? It is sometimes hard to find the "currency" which will persuade them to do what you want. For some kids, it is very difficult to find the specific consequence that is going to deter the behavior. Like a 2 yo who always needs to be told what is going to happen if he does not obey. Always asking where is the boundary. (do I sound like I know someone like this?...) Some kids are just more challenging.
I know you meant this lighter than some of the comments you've gotten. Just giving a different view.
And I do have my Jiffy Pop moments with all of mine - sometimes even more than the A and C moments = )
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