I’m pretty sure I sometimes go about things all wrong when it comes to temper tantrums. 

I mean, take a couple of weeks ago for instance.  The whole week, every day, after school, it was non stop tantrums from one child or another from the time of school pick up to way past bedtime.  I could hardly take it. 

Tantrums the likes of Veruca Salt? I’m distressed to say, yes sometimes.

They took turns.  I thought that was nice of them.  Best that way if they’re planning on recieving appropriate attention, you know, in case mom decides to tell the lot of them to sit in the middle of the room she’s in (which incidentally does work, if you’re wondering, but do be sure your children are far enough apart that they can’t touch each other cause they won’t be able to resist an elbow jab if given the chance).

I spent 20 hours that week listening to cranky drivel.  And did I once ever say the right thing?  NO.  Of course not.  I was doomed from the first tear, the first whine, the first complaint, the first tattle. 

Needless to say, by the time the week was done I was not only spent, but dizzy with confused instability.  I honestly don’t know how I managed to make any sense half way through the week.  I have patience, but I can say it was wearing mighty thin. 

What I didn’t realize was that I could have bypassed all the temper tantrums.  One brief crazed moment, and I could have had…. yes… peace and quiet.

Children know what we have long forgotten. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A TEMPER TANTRUM.