Toddlers & Tantrums (Pt. 2)

Some days are better than others. Today was one of them. At least for now, it was. Her grandparents were gone for the evening so it was just her, her husband, and their kids. While she didn't like using video games as a babysitter, she needed a power nap and her oldest child was of course wide awake.

He played Ms. Pac Man for maybe 30 minutes before calling her. Hey, at least she got a quick snooze for once since both her husband and toddler were also sleeping. Getting up woke up her daughter though. Win some, lose some.

Once in the living room with the toddler on her hip, her son looked up at her from the couch.

"We need to fix the TV. Wheel of Fortune won't play," the look on his face serious.

She could tell he was about to cry because it wasn't coming on, but she looked at the clock then the TV. The show still had another fifteen minutes before it aired, "It isn't on yet. The TV isn't broken. You're just trying to watch it too early."

"Oh. I thought it was already seven."

Saturday was even better than Friday. They got up in a good mood and even had a nice breakfast. Things were a bit slow and relaxed, which was really nice, for a change. Plans were already made for the day, and she hoped they wouldn't take up most of the day since it could cause some meltdowns.

The library was their first stop for the day. As usual, when they aren't being rushed or on a timed schedule, they spent an hour there as a family.

James even got his very own library card, "I can check out my own books now? That's cool!"

Needless to say, he was very excited and quite proud of himself. He was more than happy to check out five books about space and natural disasters.

After their trip to the library, they had to go grocery shopping. This is where Lynn typically got nervous when she had both of her kids with her. So many times James would have a meltdown and they would have to leave without getting all of their necessities.

This time was completely different. He helped put things in the cart and even totaled up the items on the calculator watch that his dad had given him that morning.

She was pulled from her contentment when her husband spoke up, "This is the behavior that I expect to see every day. See how much better the day is going because of it?"

Her son nodded and even offered up a large grin. But her heart hurt from remembering the loud 'discussion' he had with her son.

"Your behavior today was completely unacceptable. The way you acted was disrespectful and extremely rude. It even makes it where I don't want to see you when you stay with us, and that shouldn't happen."

By this point, James was stunned into silence, even his interjections of "But I do love you" had stopped.

More hurtful words were said and even she couldn't get anything in.

By the end of it, all James was crying, "My heart is broken."

Even she was trying to fight the tears she knew wouldn't fall, so instead the emptiness just started to swallow her up.

But the rest of the day went smoothly, James even got some chocolate milk. When they got home he didn't even want to watch TV like he normally does. Instead, he went to his room to read his library books.

Things were starting to look up. She could tell.