Parker, Parker, Parker

Since our trip to California the boys have developed an obsession with listening to music on both my iPhone and Brock's tablet. Sometimes they'll play a game or take silly pictures, but their favorite thing to do is listen to the music. One morning Parker had my phone and I asked him if I could see it for a second to check if I missed any texts. I actually didn't say any of that, I just kind of picked it up and said, "hold on a second..." which is what I do every single time one of them has my phone. They know I always give it right back. Well this particular morning Parker didn't appreciate me doing that and said I was mean for taking the phone away. Clearly he was overreacting. But he stood his ground and insisted that I was a mean mom after asking him if he was sure about that. I was beside myself. I gave him every example I could think of on how I am not mean. He agreed with all my examples but still thought I was mean for "taking the (MY!) phone away" but handed right back. I was at a loss on how to get through to him.

This same, obstinate, stubborn child also bursts into tears at the drop of a hat. On Valentines Day I made my traditional stuffed shells that I make for every special occasion. As we're eating Brock says to the boys, "do you guys know why mommy makes this meal for all our special occasions?" They of course said no and Brock said "because it reminds mommy of me. It's what she always made for me before you guys were born. It's called a tradition. Do you understand?" Again, they said no. So he said, "when you guys have donuts what do you think about? Me, right? You think about going to the donut shop with me every weekend. And one day when I'm gone and you're having a donut you'll think of me then too." Parker bursts into tears. I knew immediately it was because Brock said 'when I'm gone' Poor choice of words. But that's my sensitive, emotional little boy! He confided in me later that night that he was a "cry baby" at the gym when a bigger kid teased him and said he could do a better cartwheel than him. His feelings were hurt but he was also ashamed of crying.

And then today the very same little boy cried and said he wasn't feeling well and couldn't go to school, but later admitted to lying about not feeling well so he could stay home and play Wii. When we were discussing why lying is unacceptable he again cried and said he was sending himself to time out for the rest of the day and he was going to tell his teacher and friends that he lied tomorrow.

Just a few examples from ONE of my multi-faceted children. Stay tuned for more from my OTHER manipulative, yet still very sensitive and emotional child.