Counting My Kisses

I’ve been a momma for 3 years, 7 months and 26 days.

And somehow, in that time frame, I managed to miss the memo on the Threes.

I heard all about the Terrible Twos.

But the Threes? It’s like fight club. The first rule: you don’t talk about it.

Because surely, I can’t be the only momma out there TEARING MY HAIR OUT over my darling, loving, hot-tempered, stubborn-yet-sometimes-sweet three year old…right?

Here’s the thing about three-year-olds: they can talk. And they can talk well. So you no longer have the option of scooping your child off the floor mid-tantrum & disciplining/distracting/etc. like you did during the Terrible Twos. At least not without the “OW OW OWWWW YOU ARE HURTING MEEEEEEEEE!!!” screams that draw stares at the grocery store {for the record: no one is getting hurt. Ever. Our three-year-old has learned that’s the fastest way to make us freeze in our tracks in public}.

Big sigh.

The Terrible Two days were few & far between for us with Little O. She’d have the occasional meltdown, we handled it, everyone moved on. A few minutes in time out if necessary, but for the most part, barely a blip on the radar.

Enter the Threes. Now the meltdown is accompanied with arm-crossing, feet stamping, ear-splitting shrieking of “NO MOMMY! I WILL NOT PUT ON MY WINTER COAT!!!” when it’s 14 degrees & snowing outside.

It’s accompanied with hysterical tears. Regurgitation of phrases that I’ve said in the past, now turned against me: “Mommy, your behavior is REALLY frustrating me!” {Oh? I’m frustrating you???}. And my personal favorite: “Mommy, that’s IT! Go to time out RIGHT NOW!!!” {I wish I could sweetie, I really wish I could}.

We have epic multiple-times-a-day disagreements about her clothes {more on that later this week}.

About hair~ brushing it, doing it, making it look halfway presentable before preschool/dance/etc.

And let’s not forget about shoes~ Little O has an opinion on what shoes to wear every day, and when we have to veto her opinion {as in, you’re wearing boots today because it’s snowing}, it’s ugly. REALLY ugly.

Sharing. Including H-Berry. Talking respectfully. You name it, we’re working on it on a daily basis.

And then there’s the negotiating.

The constant negotiating is making me feel like less of a momma and more of a privileges broker.

What is it with the Threes?

On the other hand, I find Little O extremely charming at this age. When she’s on, she’s on~ and she’s so incredibly fun. For the most part, she’s a happy, well-adjusted kiddo who loves to have fun and who brings an incredible amount of brightness to any room she’s in. She’s that Little O 85% of the time.

It’s just that other 15% that is testing the very limits of our parenting skills.

Consistency. Kindness. A heart full of love always. And sometimes a firm tone of voice & the loss of privileges. {and prayers for strength}.

That is how we’re getting through the Threes right now.

My goal with the Threes isn’t just to survive it. It’s to help Little O learn to control her temper and her feelings, and in turn, to become the happy, respectful little girl that she usually is~ ALL of the time. It’s a lofty goal, but one I know that we can accomplish with patience, love & support.

But in the meantime…

feel free to send wine, chocolate and success stories! We could use all three for the Threes.

Counting My Kisses: The Trying Threes? Tantrum Threes? Troublesome Threes? Yes, to all of the above. But…we all went through challenging phases like this {just ask my parents, I was a piece of work at 6!} and we all turned out okay. Right now, the Hubs & I are keeping our eye on the end goal: helping to guide our children into becoming the best possible version of themselves. Some days it’s easier than others…but I’m so thankful each & every day for the opportunity.