The events in Boston are still on my mind. As I wrote this post about my boy, the significance of the 8-year-old that was killed was present with me. I had a hard parenting day and needed to write about it, but I realize that I’m very lucky to have this problem. Damn lucky.
I’m losing it. I’m losing him.
He just won’t listen to me.
Although he is now getting out of bed in the morning, thanks to an alarm clock, he is still not getting dressed or coming down to breakfast without repeated pleas that end in yelling and me threatening to send him to school without food.
No carpool this week because he has created a story of Teddy and Mousey, two of his stuffed animals, that has taken on a life of its own. It involves lots of exploding cakes and moldy cheese. Its been going on since September, but we’ve all had enough. Really. ENOUGH.
In class today I witnessed him ignoring his handwork teacher. Then he was making sounds during the quiet moment she asked for. Cat sounds. Loudly. Followed by giggles.
His karate teacher had to tell him repeatedly to stop daydreaming and to pay attention. When he comes out of class he says, “I had the best chamber kick recoil.”
He was supposed to be brushing his teeth, but instead I find him banging two toothbrushes on the counter, shaking his butt, singing to himself and watching all this in the mirror.
Annoyance.
Anger.
Fear.
Embarrassment.
Disappointment.
I’m not supposed to feel that way. His behavior is not supposed to reflect on me. I try to stop the tirade against myself that I know is coming, but I can’t.
Am I failing him? What could I have done differently? I wasn’t present enough. He didn’t get enough protein. I should have been more patient. Did he get enough sleep? I should laugh more. Give more hugs. He is only 8. Lighten up! He is just a kid. But is he turning into a brat? Is he becoming that kid you don’t want your kid around? Am I that mom? I don’t know what I’m doing. Panic.
Then it’s bedtime. We read two chapters of book eight in the Lemony Snicket series. He begs for one more, but I say it’s late. I’m tired.
He pulls my face toward him. He gives me my kisses. Forehead, both eyes, cheeks and chin. Nose rubs followed by eight kisses on the nose and one big smooch on the lips. I return them in the exact order. He looks at me with his glasses off. His eyes red and tired.
“I love you mommy.”
“I love you too.”
“Did you hear me?”
“Yes.”
He grabs my face.
“I love you mommy,” he says again.
Melted. Renewed. Reassured. Everything is going to be OK. We have another day together and it’s everything.
Bridgette Tales 
I totally understand. I have these worries constantly about all of my kids, but especially my middle child, who sometimes seems to be possessed by demons.
If it helps, we have established a policy with my daughter that she does have to go to school on time, but she does not have to go with food in her tummy, hair brushed, a lunch, or anything other than pajamas. In other words, those things are her responsibility. I would be mortified if she went hungry and with unbrushed hair–but you’re right, it’s not about us. So you’re no meaner than us!
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Motherhood, man. It tears us apart with guilt and worry and then completely melts us with kisses and hugs.
Hang in there, mama. You’re doing great.
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It will all come together… no worries you are a fabulous mother. I think if you call him once and he doesn’t get ready or have breakfast he goes to school as is. If that mean pj’s then it’s pj’s. If that means he doesn’t get to eat breakfast then he doesn’t get to eat breakfast. He knows his job is to go to school and he just needs to know that you mean it and you will follow through with him going as is. It works my love just once…. try it.
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