It's about my kids.
They are expert tantrum throwers. After a week of surviving said tantrums, I thought I'd list the top ten tantrum topics . . . the things that will set my kids into orbit faster than any other.
- Being told, "We're not watching TV." (It's not like they live on it, but they are little addicts like their Mama . . . )
- Being sent to bed without a Bible story. (Gotta say, kinda proud of that one! Doesn't happen often, but when it does you know we had a BAD day . . . !)
- Having to brush with "big kids' toothpaste" rather than "baby toothpaste." (Can't figure this one out . . . it's the one time they're allowed to spit!)
- Having a toy taken away because it was used as a weapon. (Well, duh...)
- Being told they cannot wear a down coat when it's 85 degrees F outside. (Again . . . really?)
- Having a toy taken away because it was deliberately disassembled when it was most assuredly not a construction toy (i.e. the hamburgers in "Pop the Pig" . . . how DID he get them apart, anyway?!)
- Any form of discipline that arises after inflicting damage to one's glasses. (Oh, yeah . . . Mommy will be taking an unscheduled trip to the eye doctor AGAIN tomorrow to try to repair the arm on his specs . . . I cannot WAIT until his Zenni pair arrives . . . I hope they fit!!)
- Being put in the bathtub due to an accident. (Do they really WANT excrement all over them?)
- Being asked to consume leftovers. Even though they loved the original the night before. Go figure.
- Alternately: getting hugs/kisses from Mommy, not getting hugs/kisses from Mommy. (This applies most particularly to my daughter, but my son is not immune. I think my kids are turning into cats: they want what they want when they want it and will not be cajoled, forced, or otherwise persuaded to do anything else at any time or for any reason.)
If your kid has a favorite tantrum trigger, put it in the comments. The other moms and dads out there have been there!
Sigh. You and "triggers." None of us are crossbows or firearms.
ReplyDeleteThe "triggers" aren't the real issue, but discontent, thanklessness, self-marinating guilt & despondency, and a general malaise at living in a fallen world and having to deal with our own folly and restlessness, then adding pain and sorrow due to the misdeeds of others.
The hardest thing to learn is the contentment of Psalms 62 & 131, letting God shape us like the clay we are and resting and trusting His love never forsakes us, though our pain and frustration tempt us to think otherwise.
This relates directly to marriage as well: Prov 5:15-19 and Song of Songs 8:7 are astounding wisdom & promise in the face of this culture's temptation to despond and look for the next vacuous thrill.
The "triggers" are small and insignificant in the face of this broader and deeper question: can I respond in contentment to God's Word, present work, and promised future (even in this life), or will I despond into tantrum?
Will a woman of great beauty, next to whom Nick's girlfriend is a painted, lifeless mannequin, respond in faith by accepting deliverance from a fool and hope in God’s provision? or will she despond and descend into a combination of despair that all men fall for mannequins, and unthinkingly adopt the methods of said mannequins to “win” another faithless fool?
“Blessed is the one who finds Wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”
“Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful