I Used to Love You, But I Don't Love You Anymore

Do you ever wonder if your toddler is purposely trying to think of things to make themselves cry more? I guess when you're down you're really down, right? I mean I've been there, done that. 

Does it ever feel like nothing you can do or say (except maybe give them a unicorn and candy store) will calm them?

If today, yesterday or even the day before your toddler threw a tantrum, screamed, cried, told you "I used to love you but I don't love you anymore": you're not alone. 

These might even sounds all to familiar. Maybe tantrums almost feel routine at this point and your toddler is in a phase of resisting you with every little ounce of their being. I remember those days too. I'm here to say I survived those days and you can too. The proof that I made it through means you can make it too. It does get better.

Today just happened to be one of those days that the pretty, smiling, giggling toddler went to hide behind a red-faced little stinker.

As I drove 10 minutes across town to get home, which feels like a 30 minute drive when your toddler is balling about food, a popsicle, going potty, being hot, being sleepy... ah hah! The root of the problem. She's tired. Possibly over-tired. That's all it is but in that moment as I gripped my steering wheel, tried to focus on the cars all around me I felt an overwhelming feeling.  

Alone. 

Sometimes, in these moments I feel like the rest of the world is far, far away. In fact, I feel like the closest people are thousands of miles away. If you have ever felt this way remember: you not asking for a shoulder to cry on or just an ear to talk to is what makes these people a thousand miles away. This very thing saved me from an even worse scenario: the kind where your toddler can't calm down and you find it pretty difficult to do so too (a.k.a. a real live nightmare).

Tonight, I was lucky to call on my husband for help. He was on his way to the gym but stopped the car, came back inside to calm me and my over-tired child who barely made it into the house and was now spread out on the floor completely defeated. (I'm really lucky to have him by my side in all things, especially parenting.)

Maybe the person that can help is not your husband or significant other but a neighbor, an aunt or a co-worker. Just ask for help. 

I am a believer in the good of people. Things like the Hurricane Harvey disaster relief that is taking place in Texas, the people who go visit hospital patients, the people who listen. Good is there. You just have to open your eyes and see it. I am lucky to be surrounded by compassionate, trusting, beautiful people. I believe there is someone to listen to each and every one of us.

Remember, just ask. 

PS. There were many hugs and I'm Sorry's to follow the tantrum. My toddler is fast asleep.

Keep loving.