S is spending a lot of time emulating teenage behavior lately. He's sullen, moody and sometimes just plain nasty. This has been kind of a shock because he's usually such a charming, easy-going kid.
Last night Sinterklaas came and brought the kids a few carefully-chosen presents. This morning S seemed happy with them, but then later he actually started complaining that B's presents are always better. and more exciting.
The first time he said it I made a remark about the grass always being greener on the other side of the fence, but the second time I got really annoyed-- how is it possible that my normally sunny child can act like such a spoiled brat?!
As soon as I got home I pulled a Grinch: slithered around and gathered up his presents, candy and gum. They have now been shelved on top of my closet for a month.
Depending on his behavior during that time he might or might not get them back. Anyone out there looking for a brand new dart board? I might have one to sell cheap...
**I'm starting off the season early with my Grinch references. The title was a nod at one of my favorite songs ever! "You're a three decker saurkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce."
6 comments:
That is definitely a song for all time.
Maybe S has the doldrums, too?
C's usually a good kid, and then something will come out of his mouth that absolutely floors me. And I wonder just who raised this child, anyway?
Oh, yeah, oops, it was me.
I hope your week gets better!
I love that song!
And Jen may have a point about the doldrums.
I hope everyone is feeling better soon!
I think you're both right. We all seem to be in some kind of slump and are playing off of each others' bad moods. Even the dog seems to be in a funk!
This behavior is pretty atypical for S anyway-- kind of reminds me of a terrible-threes phase he went though as a toddler. Just hope it blows over soon!
Luckily the weekend is coming-- will try to take advantage of it and spend some time outside and reset our communal spirits...
When I was "new" to my step-children I flew down to St. Louis to spend Xmas with T's family. When B opened my gift to him he said, "I hate getting books as gifts!" When G. saw me at the family gathering she pointed a finger at me and said, "What's HE doing here?" I understood their feelings, although it was difficult having their tempers thrown in my face.
I think this is a difficult time of year, fraught with excitement and tension that frequently shades into darker expression. I hope your S re-discovers his reasonable nature soon.
He's such a great kid, Betsy! You know it's just a phase! But that doesn't make it any easier to take when they're being a nightmare, does it? Remember how bad Molly's "terrible sixes" were? That seemed to last forever! Hang in there!
I've notice my kids go through teen like behavior at 2-3, 6-7 and various other times of their lives thereafter.
Doesn't make it any easier. But, like you said, walks always help though. The Germans definitely have that one right.
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