Sunday, June 7, 2009

My Confession

I have a confession to make.

My son is a rascal. A turkey. A monkey-face. A king-sized pest.

Okay, I'll just admit it. He's a BRAT.

I could go through the list of all the excuses, but I realize the bottom line is I just have let too much go. Again. I go through this cycle that most imperfect parents (who are honest) go through, pull my hair out and then pull my socks up - until the next go-around. The strive for consistency is turning my hair prematurely grey.

A couple of weeks ago, he was being particularly bad in church while I was trying to pray. He was determined to bug me the entire time. Normally when he's being that much of a pest, I take him downstairs into a private room for a particular mode of punishment. This time I decided that since it was attention he was so desperately seeking, I was going to give him no attention at all. This is supposed to work after all, right?

Wrong.

For 15 minutes he poked and tickled. And kissed my cheek. I ignored him. It would work with time, I was sure. He continued, finally ending his little game by climbing on my back and whispering a certain word in my ear over and over that's forbidden. I'll give you a clue what that word was. It begins and ends with the letter "p" and has two "o's" in between. It's a word I've forbidden because he only uses it as "trash" talk.

It's been over these last couple of weeks that things have escalated, period. In my exasperation, I asked him one day last week what in the world I was going to do with him. His reply?

"You're going to keep me and let me do whatever I want!"

Tonight in church he reached across Hannah to her book and, with a red crayon, made a straight line, as quick-as-you-please, on her page. He was quite amused with this as was demonstrated by his smug grin after the fact. He also poked, prodded and PUSHED my derriere. And pushed me over the edge because that is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER allowed to me or anyone.

It's not that none of this goes unpunished. It's just not as consistent as it should be. And truthfully, he seems to need so much physical attention that it seems that no amount of affection and attention given to him is enough. I get worn out and then fall into the trap of ignoring.

I blog these stories as memories to me and my kids when they're older. I blog these stories because sometimes writing them exorcises some frustration. I blog these stories because sometimes I hope that some kind soul will think to pray for me. I am the first to admit I'm not perfect and need to be more consistent, so I really don't need lectures. Just encouragement.

So, thanks everyone. For letting me blow off steam.

9 comments:

palmtreequeen1 said...

Welcome to the world of mothering "boys"! They are a completely different creature than our darling girlies!!! I'm with ya on this!

Laura said...

Ha! Darla, I can't even begin to think how I would be in your shoes with that little turkey. Honestly. He plays me outs watching him and I am NOT his mother. Don't be so hard on yourself, I think you are a fantastic mom who loves their kids to pieces.

Anonymous said...

Well, I think you might have some success if you would only just...... JUST KIDDING!!! From reading your past posts there's no doubt in my mind that you are doing an excellent job as a mom. Believe me and give yourself a pat on the back, and maybe give me some tips for an eleven year old boy who sometimes acts like he's already a teen (you know, insane :) no offense to any teenagers out there, I'm referring to my own state of being at this age) Becky

Darla said...

Thanks ladies, for your encouragement. And Becky, I plan to go an an extended several year vacation, or ship my kids off to boot camp, or.......I'm still thinking......when my kids hit that wonderful stage called the TEENS. I do realize that it really is considerably easier now, so by then who knows, they'll probably commit me to the 5th Floor Psych Ward.............

Laura said...

It's sooo much fun! Becky, I was told that girls are worse than boys...what's up with that? 5th floor isn't so bad. They know me by first name basis....just kidding! Can't wait to see when Seth figures out Hannah's "over-the-edge" triggers as a teen. Those will be interesting days.

Anonymous said...

www.gentlechristianmothers.com has been an invaluable source of parenting wisdom.

Hugs from another mom of a 5 year old boy. :)

April

GT said...

I blog these stories.....I blog these stories....I blog these stories....

You also blog these stories so we will not feel so alone in our mothering. I agree with the rest, Im sure your an awesome mommy, and Im sure your Seth is an awesome little man!

Darla said...

April: Thanks for the "gentle" reminder. I did bookmark that website, and it's caused enough curiousity that I plan to do my own little research into some of the points made.

GT: Seth IS awesome, lest I....uh....somehow conveyed otherwise (ha, ha).

By the way, I'm having a hard time locating "Raising Godly Tomatoes". I tried ordering it online and I was going to be charged $18.00 (US) dollars just for shipping! My local Bible book store cannot get the book in because their supplier does not carry it. Any tips? I really feel a need to read it (as is obvious by this particular post), but refuse to pay what would have been over $40.00 for the book.

Anonymous said...

http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/mb/index.php?topic=122155.0

Good list of parenting books. :)