Temper, Temper

I recently made the acquaintance of a very sweet young lady who had two children. Two angelic little girls, one a preschooler and one an infant. As we were chatting about motherly things and getting to know one another, I mentioned something in passing about temper tantrums. Probably something along the lines of what an issue they have been at my house...and at the grocery store...and in the car...you get the picture. And this sweet, perky lady laughed knowingly and said, "Well, Lauren tried having a temper tantrum ONE time, and when she saw that it wasn't going to work, she quit doing it!"

So this new lady and I are not going to be friends. What a pity. And I guess little Lauren doesn't have a good work ethic, to give up on something so quickly. She doesn't show the tenacity or ingenuity that my children have, trying new ways to have bigger tantrums in new places, refusing to accept defeat even when all seems lost. Lauren is just a quitter! (Do I sound bitter?)

Actually, I was once just like Lauren's mom. I once had an angelic toddler and a cherubic baby. I took a parenting class at my church, and I honestly thought I was the best parent in the class. I had never dealt with defiance or tantrums or constant sibling fighting or potty training, and I felt sorry for all those frazzled mothers who raised their hands and shared their horrific tales. They just didn't know what they were doing. Poor things. I probably offered them some flippant advice, too, like Lauren's mom. And they probably had the same bitter reaction.

So this week I've started the parenting class offered at my church. Different church, same parenting class. I still have my old book. My perspective, however, is completely different.