I usually aim to entertain you with stories of my domestic incompetence or stories of how I go off the deep end at some unsuspecting (though deserving) idiot in a public place. Today’s post, however, is a bit different.
I am writing a plea. I am writing to ask all of my friends to give Kahlen a break. There are a few friends recently who have cut down my kid, scolded her for essentially being a 2.5 year old, and who have judged her for being a little more ‘aggressive’ (and is use that term loosely for lack of a better one) lately. Im sure some of you are in a panic now (ha!) worried feverishly about being on my ‘bad side’. Let me put you mind at ease. I am writing about those people in my life who a) have never had a 2.5 year old b) have only one child c) don’t know the ‘joy’ of having a VERY spirited and previously ‘always-center-of-attention’ child and d) ARE JUDGING KAHLEN! Clears that up for you, no?
If you have never raised a 2.5 year old then you truly have no clue what its like to be with one 24/7. Sure, you may have a niece/nephew or best-friends-kid thats 2.5 and whom you spend a lot of time with… but if you dont have your OWN 2.5 year old (or lived through this trying phase with a child who is older now) then let me set you straight! You have no clue! Ha!
So to those people who don’t have a 2.5 year old and who are daring enough to judge my daughter… Shame on you! SHE IS TWO! And more than that, she is 2 and just recently aquired a baby-sister (whether she wants her or not!) in her life. THAT is difficult a child ay any age, but espeically difficult for a young child who isn’t able to fully express her feelings verbally (or even understand them fully for that matter). Kahlen was accustomed to being the center of attention, not having to share her toys, her room, but most importantly her parents attention. All that has changed.
So for anyone that judges her for taking a toy from your kid, or having a tantrum please remember that she is having a rough time right now and is only 2 for murphy’s sake!! She is just learning how to genuinley share things (not just the simplistic ‘sharing of kids less than 18 months. Kahlen WAS for the record, great at that!). She is learning to manage the feelings behind giving up her beloved doll, or how to interpret the anguished cries of your child when she takes a beloved book away. Its a skill, and it takes time to learn and develop (some dults i know are still learning this!). My kid is NOT picking on yours. Kahlen is not being malicious and is not ‘mean’. She is developing a skill just like every other kid her age… BUT Kahlen has the new baby to share with on top of her normal development so cut her some freaking slack if it takes a bit longer.
Im infuriated by the gaul of some people! Fine, judge away if you must, but judge me and my (lacking) parenting skills NOT my kid!
Judge me for not being able to keep my eyes on her all the time because Khloe is nursing/puking/crying/pooping/etc. Judge me for only having one free hand to escort her away when she is having a tantrum because Khloe is having a meltdown in the other arm. Judge me for begin exhausted after a LONG night of getting up with one kid after another and getting zero sleep, and judge me especially hard for not having the time/energy to explain clearly why tantrums are not a constructive way to solve a problem. Go ahead, judge me for all my short comings (for there are many) and my less-than-perfect parenting skills/ability … but DONT, for any reason, hold it against Kahlen. She is a loving, caring, nurturing and generally a gentle child. She is spirited, and outgoing (paradoxically shy too) and VERY LOUD at times. But she my daughter, and like a good ‘momma bear’ I wont let you hurt her or take out your frustrations about my inabilities on her. So, to anyone who has judged Miss K lately… a)Give your head a shake and b) give her a break!!!
WELL! Right out the gate you are 100% right! That is the most laughable situation when it comes from someone who doesn’t have kids let alone one of that age!
How shallow a person to judge a toddler on their behavior when we as adults have questionable behaviors & essentially the life experience of learning right from wrong & therefore should know better yet we make mistakes!
Further more, did something K did really ruin their day? Do they think less of her or you because of it? Why do people think it is ok to be quick to point out flaws in a child? Any person with half a brain would know children all develop at different ages & they go through phases of learning new skills of interaction & discipline. We can’t as parents always be there every second to correct a bad behavior nor are we bad parents because we didn’t step in! Constantly correcting/guiding a toddler is very overwhelming at the best of times & time consuming, let alone if you have other children to tend to.
Although nobody has called my child a brat to my face I can imagine the talk that goes on behind my back. I’m a confrontational person, I’d rather someone tell me to my face what they feel so I can set them straight, to their face! Every child & parent is different but I can assure you we do our best to raise our kids to be appropriate, share etc, but if you’re a parent you know that’s no easy task & children do NOT always co operate or follow direction without flaw!
The person/people who judged K are simply in denial of their own short comings as a person or parent. I’m sure you could pick apart the person who said those things & point out their flaws, how would they like to be called out on those things? Nobody is perfect, but to judge a completely innocent child who is growing & learning is pretty sick & ignorant.
You are a great mom who is also learning the ropes as you tackle the daily chores, raising a toddler & having also a new baby on your hands who is equally needy in different ways! I always offer for anyone who questions my kids or my parenting to step into my shoes for one day! Cook, clean, laundry, baths for 2 babies, feeding, naps, diapers, bills etc & do it all with a smile on your face, be content to have less than a full hour of time for yourself, deal with the tantrums, try to keep up & on schedule without the kids getting injured, without them fighting, go ahead I dare anyone to do a better job.
I know my kids & household better than anyone & I have a very difficult time keeping my head above water some days, so I’ll be damned if anyone wants to challenge me, question me or pass any judgment about my kids!
Its beyond offensive for a mother to here bs talked about her child! I’d be questioning your friends as to what kind of friend they really are & if they have the audacity to offend you in such a way, is this someone you think you want around your kids?
The critics out there who don’t have kids should basically shut up & wait & see what its like when they have their own. To the ones who have kids & still judge others well obviously in your eyes your children are saints & all others are bad, mean etc. Do you mean to tell me your children have never acted out, never snatched a toy fro another child, never had a tantrum? If so you should get him or her checked out cuz to me THAT’S not normal toddler behavior! All children unknowingly do some things wrong at some point!
There are parents who don’t correct or discipline their children but when you can clearly see Kelsey doing all she can to be a great mom & do her best to keep on top of K’s behavior you should cut her some slack! The few times she hasn’t had a free hand or moment to correct K isn’t the end of the world & certainly doesn’t badly reflect on her as a mom or K as a young child!
Get a hobby, other than talking smack about 2 year olds, maybe pick up a book, perhaps one about raising toddlers, educate yourself before you open your mouth & a can or worms which could lead to a can of whoop ass. Thanks for letting me share my opinion