Thursday, August 5, 2010

Haiku my heart-

she can feel too much
little heart angry broken
fighting sleep and me

I don't really know why I decided to take her to Target at 5:00 pm without a nap to buy a present for her little friend's birthday party... but I had a huge lapse in judgment.  Each small tantrum igniting the next one.  My empty threats to leave the cart and go home were of no help. (I needed diapers for my son - so this really wasn't an option).  My mother said that I could throw an amazing tantrum when I was little.  I can throw a pretty good one now- so I would imagine that she is telling the truth.

Just so you know, I didn't take pictures of my daughter in the midst of her tantrum - although there are times when I look at her eyes full of tears, red face, and pouty lips and think she is quite tragically beautiful- that would feel a little too exploitative and not exactly the empathic nurturing mother I want to be remembered as.  The picture above was taken during one of her acting sessions.  She loves to have photographs taken while she pretends to have different emotions.  (No wonder her tantrums have the emotional intensity of an oscar winning performance). 

So- this has been my life as of late.  I am learning how to stay calm- and repeating the mantra, that a wise woman told me...  "Just because she is upset - doesn't mean I have to be upset.  Just because she is emotionally overwhelmed, doesn't mean I have to be emotionally overwhelmed.  Just because she is having a tantrum, doesn't mean I have to have a tantrum."    Doesn't always work, but I am trying.

To read more haikus on Haiku Friday or
maybe to add your own
visit the enchanting Rebecca
here



8 comments:

Dianne said...

Ahh.. the little ones... they can be so trying... but so precious... lovely haiku!

Kim Mailhot said...

I often wonder if we grown-ups would be better off throwing a really good tantrum every once in awhile rather than keeping everything in control all the time...maybe not in Target though ! ;)
Great haiku ! Happy Friday !

Unknown said...

oh yes, I know I would be a much nicer person if I could have an afternoon nap :)

Delphyne said...

Life can be so overwhelming at any age - and a temper tantrum can challenge even the most loving parent, especially in a retail store!

Beautiful and poignant haiku...

peggy aplSEEDS said...

i am way past children's tantrums but i still have to keep repeating "love is patient, love is kind..."

thanks for your visit and leaving me a comment. i always delight in them!

Priti Lisa said...

Gorgeous work of art!
What a lucky little girl, having such a wise Mama.
And we should all learn to feel, really feel our emotions like children do. Especially since we are old enough to be in charge of our reactions.
xox

Deann LMFT said...

Sometimes I don't feel like I am in such good control of emotions... but I am modeling trying!

rebecca said...

my darling wild one's mother,

i can smile a knowing smile...
you are such a loving dedicated mother. i just see love here..each time you share a peek into your children.

here is to a calm, endearing sunday!!!

i have missed you all and am finally home!

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