Did I Really Just Say That? Crap.

It's a fact that I love my boys.  No one would question that.  And if you know Matteo you know he has a lot of personality and is funny, charming and energetic.  But, today I threatened to throw all of Matteo's toys in the trash if he didn't stop crying about having to share with his brothers.  As the words were basically shooting out of my mouth I was feeling drastic and mean.

Then I came to realize this:  It had worked.  Don't think I'm giving parenting advice to threaten your kids or, to threaten them with trashing their possessions but in my desperation I said it, and in my mom-guilt I blog to you.   Matteo immediately stopped with the crying, stopped with the whining and stopped with the flat-out frustrating-as-hell poor behavior and started handing Marco and Massimo books and cars and other toys.  He calmly asked for milk and crackers and when I agreed and told him to get in his chair he cheerfully said "okay!"  I know it's not the last act of discipline but somewhere in my exasperation I feel a sense of accomplishment. 

There is no way to wrap up this blog post except perhaps to say; being a mom is hard.  And that's okay.  I mean, I'm not thrilled about that fact, but it is okay.  It is the glimmers of light and hope just like this exact thing that give us as mothers of young children the hope and courage and energy to press on.