Let's Take Disciplinary Action

The girls are not known for great behavior in public places. I'm not totally oblivious to their kid needs- I try not to be out at nap times or meal times, and I try to keep errands to a minimum. I have been known to reward for good behavior, although by "reward" I obviously mean BRIBE. I'm starting to get a little worried though, because our trip to San Diego/Phoenix is fast approaching, and I'd prefer not to be humiliated. After a particularly difficult grocery store session yesterday (Kiki ripped in to bakery items as I attempted to order Kate's b-day cake, and that was just the tip of the iceberg. I wound up leaving without all I needed because I just couldn't handle it anymore.), I threatened Kate within an inch of her life that if she couldn't figure out how to behave then the Sea World trip was OFF. "I can't even believe how you act in public," I spewed. She replied, "What? We don't even live in Public."

In this same vein, I've been inspired by friend Janet to take a deep breath when I feel like losing it with my kids, and calming down a little before disciplining so things don't escalate. I've given that a true effort today. Kate was disobedient, so I took my deep breath and calmly took her to time out, where despite my centered nature, she went ape ****. I told her when she had calmed down and stopped crying she could apologize to me. She kept screaming, "I CAN'T STOP CRYING! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO STOP CRYING!" I said, "Try taking a deep breath." "I CAN'T TAKE A DEEP BREATH!" And I fully admit this is what I thought, "Why the hell not? I've taken hundreds today." I am a small person, but at least I didn't say it aloud. And here we are at almost the end of the day, and despite the whining, spilling, and other misdeeds that come with the territory of raising a 5 year old and a 2 year old, I'm proud to say I haven't yelled today. Now, if I can only do this for the next 5,000 days I'll be set.