Darling baby girl, I have an important message for you that will aid you better in life. When throwing a tantrum, it is best to consider whether it will inevitably help you in your pursuit of whatever, or whether it will hinder you.

This morning, it hindered you. Because after listening to you scream and kick and cry for an hour while I was getting you ready, I kind of tuned it out. I knew you were thirsty, but you refused to drink out of the cup. I knew you were hungry but you didn’t want to sit in your chair. I get that, sometimes I don’t want to do things properly either. But… really.

By the time we actually got to your daycare, I was so used to your squalls that I figure there is no need for me to carry you, which I only do to keep you happy, mind, seeing how heavy you are. Might as well exercise those legs.

And while your piercing shrieks, flailing of arms, and kicking scared the hell out of the secretary and shocked even the daycare ladies, I still made you walk the entire way. Even though I had to walk backwards and hold your hands so that you didn’t flip back and crack your head open. If you were fussing already, might as well. Sweetheart, just where do you think you got your stubborn streak from?

I’m a pretty easy going person, Jas, and I like to keep you happy. I enjoy holding and carrying you places. I love holding your hand when we walk. LOVE IT, seriously, a perfect day for me would be walking along a beach holding your hand and pointing out different objects and telling you their names and how to say them. I don’t ask for much. Eat your food, drink your drink, don’t completely lose your head for an hour and a half. Walk down the hall with me to daycare. Smile.

Considering the level of care and devotion you get, doing these simple tasks is REALLY not beneath you. You are SMART, we know this. And if you are going to throw a tantrum, at least be sure that you get something out of it. I would have thought you’d have learned that from watching Mama and Papa. Maybe it’ll take you a while to get the idea, which actually will work in our favor until then, but once you do, you’ll see that throwing a temper is actually a valuable tool only 3% of the time. You need to know when to use it and when to exercise restraint and talk things through. Even if only by jibber jabber and pointing.

Bittersweet love for you this morning seeing as how both of my eardrums are still pounding and I am pretty sure I have an ear infection coming,
Mama

PS – Guess who’s going to have to walk herself to the car when I come pick her up? Yeah, sweetheart, that’d be you.