As parents we often have to do things that upset our kids. They don’t understand that it’s for their own safety or health. They’re sad and upset and it makes us sad and upset, too.
Sometimes. I mean, if we’re being honest, I don’t really feel that bad about it all the time.
But, you know what I’m talking about. The famous “This hurts me more than it hurts you, you’ll understand when you’re a parent, too.” moments.
Then there are those times where, in trying to keep your child from getting injured, or maimed, you scratch the crap out of them and it literally DOES hurt them more than it hurts you.
Like today, for instance. I picked Zachary up from preschool and was lucky enough to score a spot right in front of the door. Less walking, ftw!
This parking spot, however, put Zachary’s side of the car on the street. He waited patiently for me to load the baby back in, and as soon as I closed Oliver’s door, he said “I’ll beat you to my door, mommy!” and immediately took off.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw a car coming our way, so my first instinct was to yell “NO!” and grab him. Unfortunately for him, he was only wearing a thin shirt, and I ended up grabbing him by the collar and scratching his shoulder.
He was upset because I hurt him and didn’t seem to understand that I did it to *save* him. My explanation of “it would hurt a lot more to get hit by a car” was lost on his 3 year old brain. Ingrate.
Eventually, he forgave me and seemed to understand that I was trying to stop him from running into the street, which he knows he’s not supposed to do. He told me it was an “accident” and asked if he could still play Wii this afternoon.
He was his usual goofy self again, and was extra careful to stop at each street crossing and wait for me before venturing out.
I know I can’t protect them from everything bad that could possibly happen. But at least now I know that I need to cut my nails shorter.
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He can show his friends the scar and say, “THIS is how much my mommy loves me.”
Though, on 2nd thought, that’s not a good idea.
My mom had those kind of moments with my brother on more than one occasion. He scared the crap out of her many times.
You’re a great mom and I know your boys (ALL of them) know it and love you bunches!
AmazingGreis´s last [type] ..Goal setting for 2011…
Ugh. I hate that feeling of panic. But I’d still rather dry a couple of tears from that scratch.
Neeroc´s last [type] ..Film for fun
Oh man. I’ve been there. One time when Catie started having a tantrum at the grocery store, we went outside to calm down, and she actually DID try to make a break for it and run away from me, across the (relatively busy) parking lot. I grabbed her arm so hard and so fast that basically her running feet went flying and she landed smack on her butt. So it looked (to any witnesses) like I grabbed my child and shoved her to the ground.
Of course, she knew that she messed up, so when the tears started, she also started crying, “I’m sorry, Mommy! I’M SOOOORRYYYY!!!” So then it looked like she was trying to avoid a beating or something. Lovely. I’m surprised nobody called the cops on us that day.
Overall, though? Minor injuries (that they’ll forget in an hour) versus getting hit by a car? Kind of a no-brainer. Which is good, because most of the time our brains AREN’T involved in the decision-making process, it’s just pure gut instinct & adrenaline taking over.
Oh my goodness, how many times have I done that. I have a 10yr old boy, 3yr old little girl whom is way wayway way more adventurist than my son, and a 7month old that is on his way to beat his sister lol.
I did the same exact thing to my oldest when he was about two. For weeks after “the incident”, as it’s been named, he would tell people that “mommy has to hurt me to keep me safe sometimes”. I thought CPS would be at my door in no time.