Impact

im-pact [n. im-pakt; v. im-pakt] - a forceful consequence; a strong effect Today was one of those days where it just sucked to have to be a parent. I love doing things for our kids. I haven't had the opportunity to spoil Talan yet but I look so forward to the day when I can. And Reese? I sit and daydream about all of the fun things I can do with and for her. Honestly. I love seeing her smile. I love seeing her reactions when she is happy or excited. I love that laugh that comes right from her gut that can't be faked. I need an exorcist up in here because someone invaded the body of my sweet little girl and left me with a child that I barely recognize. She gave Linda Blair a run for her money. Anyone know a priest who does house calls? The attitude started from the time she opened her eyes this morning and gradually worsened as the day wore on. The cherry on the cake was the complete breakdown she had in the middle of the grocery store. I'm talking kicking, screaming, convulsing.....and all over a teeny tiny 7.5 oz cup of ice cream. We walked by them and I kindly offered to buy a couple of them (can't pass up the $1 cups of ice cream!). I said she could pick 3, Reese insisted on 5. Too bad. 3 it is. The breakdown began. It was so bad that fellow patrons of the store were walking by mocking her and commenting on how ridiculous she was! No joke. I got home and had to leave her in the car. Kevin was home with Talan. If I was lucky enough to come home to a calm baby I wasn't about to give up that peace and quiet when she walked in the door hysterical. He went out and got her and she managed to make him just as angry as she had made me in a matter of seconds. He sent her to her room and we talked about what to do. Idle threats do not make an impact in our house. Do you know what does? An empty playroom: We cleared every shelf and bin of the toys, dolls, dress up clothes, etc. and left only books behind. We're constantly threatening her with taking things away but 9 times out of 10 we don't follow through. This time we did and it just sucks. It punishes us just as much as it punishes her. Neither of us enjoys seeing her upset but we're also at our wits end where her attitude is concerned. Hopefully this works. Even if it's just for a few days. We both need a break. Just a couple of good days.....pretty please. A mother once shared some advice on discipline: "Let your kids think that you're just a little bit crazy". Well, today the crazy came out. Calgone, take me away!!!! Or maybe I should just call on one of guys who usually lends us support when we're in need - Jack Daniels...or Jose Cuervo...or Johnny Walker...or Jim Beam.