Photo by ninjapoodles

One of the hardest things about being a mom is being the bad guy. I love my kids so much, and I want to give them their hearts’ desires. And I know I have to be “the enforcer” because I love them. I just don’t like it. It is especially difficult to be an enforcer since C4 is a strong-willed child.

Photo by brokinhrt2

Today being “the enforcer” meant that I had to listen to a tantrum for 45 minutes. I had to remain calm (which is so hard to do when you’ve been listening to a 4 year old scream and accuse you of being a horrible human being), and I had to restate the rule over and over. In the end it paid off, though. Eventually she gave up the tantrum and obeyed me. However, there were natural consequences. Because C4 had the tantrum that lasted for so long, she missed out on eating dinner with me and A2, so she had to eat and take her bath alone. She was sad about that, and I was sad for her.

Tonight I was successful in teaching the lesson that Mommy is in charge and you are expected to obey. It is such a hard lesson to learn.

What did I learn? I was successful for a few reasons.

• I did not make the moment about me, but about C4’s choices and behavior.
• I kept my emotions out of it because often times she plays off of my emotional response.
• I also followed through with the expectation instead of negotiating.

It is a hard lesson for me to learn as well. C4 will test the boundries. She will experience consequences for her choices, and sometimes I have to be the one to enforce those consequences. I am The Enforcer, and I have my work cut out for me. I am up to the challenge thanks to the small victories my God gives me!