Wow. Just wow. The last couple of weeks have been very challenging for me as a mum. Our sweet little princess, Quinderella as Dadda likes to call her, has been going through some interesting changes lately. I think puberty has hit early. Seriously, this girl has got the moods like Jager-bombs. She has had a few absolute doozies lately, and most of those outbursts have been in public. I think it’s partly because we are winding back her day sleeps and she’s just not as well-rested, particularly in the afternoons, as she used to be.

The thrilling threes are sure giving me a run for my money.

I was telling my friend the other day that I’m just not feeling properly equipped in my parenting skills to handle this behaviour at the moment, so I’ve been doing some reading and some asking around to get some help. That’s what being a parent is about; we’re all in this together, so we might as well share the wisdom around.

And I don’t know if it’s just because we were getting used to cruising along with Chance, but he is in the throes of some pretty fantastic-five behaviour right now. His aren’t so much outbursts, as they are complete meltdowns. This kid is not handling disappointment well at all. I’m figuring it comes with being the first in line to the throne. He got used to getting his way for a long time, and now there’s serious competition with pretty much everything and it’s getting in the way of how things used to be. I’m trying to get some one-on-one time with him, playing Lego or doing something he likes to do, also being mindful of not rewarding bad choices.

Ugh the balance is so damn hard! We are bombarded regularly with awful stories of parents losing children to sickness or accidents; them telling us to hold our kids close, and not to sweat the small stuff and to chose our battles. But then on the other hand, if kids have no boundaries, they can become pretty feral very quickly. I honestly feel so stuck between wanting to “let it go” and chose fewer battles with them, and seeing them fall into bad behaviour patterns very quickly because I was relaxed about something the night before.

Anyway, I think I went a bit off topic there.

One thing I do try and be mindful is language, hence the “thrilling threes” and “fantastic fives.” It started when a friend of mine spoke about her son going through the “terrific twos.” The language helps. Thank goodness Darby hasn’t hit the terrific twos just yet. It will be here soon enough I’m sure. For now though, he is super chilled and friggin’ hilarious with  his antics. Oh boy he makes me laugh. Such a clown.

Any pearls of wisdom to be shared about how to manage a firey, determined, defiant little Miss 3, and an emotional, sensitive Master 5 would be much appreciated!