 |
This past weekend my boys were fighting…A LOT. Every time I turned around someone was crying and I was at the point where I wanted to lock myself in my bedroom and put ear plugs in (you know that moment, right?).
I caught my oldest in the act – pushing his little brother down. Of course he got into trouble and spent some time in his room.
When he came out, I sat him down and we had a talk. I told him that we don’t push or hurt each other. He started crying that his brother stole a toy from him and he was trying to get it back.
If he does it again, then tell me instead of pushing him down.
Well, when I do you always yell at me and never him.
No, I don’t. If it happens again, come tell me.
Later that evening, I was getting dinner ready when my oldest came running into the kitchen.
Mom, he took a book right out of my hand.
Without thinking I started to say, “Stop tattling!”
Then it hit me like a ton of bricks and I had my Aha! moment! OMG – I do yell at him without thinking. He is totally right. I stopped myself in mid-sentence, turned and said to him “Thank you for telling me.”
I walked into the room to see what was going on. I felt bad because he was right. Most of the time, I yell at him since he is the bigger brother. However, there are many times I do catch my little guy antagonizing his big brother.
From that moment, I decided when this happens to talk with both of them instead of just yelling at the first person that runs into the room.
Tell me: do you catch yourself doing this?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes! I catch myself blaming my oldest daughter quite a lot when they are both guilty. I tend to expect more out of my oldest when she is really only two years older than my youngest and still trying to figure a lot of things out for herself. I’ve been more mindful over it over the last several months and things have gotten better.
Good for you for recognizing it and trying to fix it.
Kristen´s last [type] ..Valentine’s Day Don’ts
After I realized I was doing this I felt bad. You are right, glad I realized I was doing this.
Awwwww, Tina. You are such a wonderful mother. I imagine that you’ll have many of those a-ha throughout the journey, but the fact that you teach them and they learn from you must make you such a proud momma bear
You are great at what you do!
Charlotte´s last [type] ..Valentine’s Day, Shmalentine’s Day
Found your blog through pinterest! I too am a momma to 2 boys! I can TOTALLY relate to this post! We are going through this same struggle right now and I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one! My boys are 8 and 2 1/2 and the littlest is just getting old enough to really pester big brother. I have caught myself being very hard on my 8 year old…bc he is the oldest. I really had to step back and realize he is just a kid and sometimes it is hard to have a 2 year old following you around taking your toys! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley´s last [type] ..Sock Monkey Party