Parenting

Parenting is the hardest job I have ever had Period.  There are so many times I question if I am doing the right thing.  I read books and magazines and ask my mom for advice all the time.  You want to give your kids the world within reason of course.  And you want them to turn out happy, kind, generous, hardworking men.  Most days I think I am doing great, especially when I hear the please's and thank you's.  Or when the boys are sweet to each other and share.  And then there are those moments when you wonder if you are doing anything right. 

I took all 3 boys to Wegman's on Monday because it was a Holiday.  Brady wanted to go to Wkids and who am I not to let him. Alright I admit I just wanted to shop with 2 kiddos.  I bought Pierce a glazed donut (a bribe if you will) and he didn't even try and get out of the cart once.  Winning!  So after making it through the entire store with both kids behaving and no crying from the baby I as pretty pleased with myself.  I thought I would swing by pick up Brady and take the boys to lunch.  As soon as Brady saw Pierce's donut he said "Where's my donut, I want a donut." Thinking this was no big deal I told him I didn't get him one because he was in Wkids.  But we were going to go to lunch.  He declared well I want to eat here.  I couldn't really eat at Wegman's because I was wearing Reid.  His carrier was in the car and I wouldn't have any where to put him and enjoy my lunch.  Trying not to drop food on the infant strapped to your chest is no fun.  So I said no but we can go out.  To which Brady declared I was a bad mom.  How Nice!  Of course all of this was in front of a whole bunch of other moms and Brady wasn't being quiet about it.  I was embarrassed and upset by his comment.  I know you shouldn't take your kids behavior or words personal but I do all the time.  I try so hard and when they act bratty it just makes me crazy!  I can remember growing up and wanting things: Nike sneakers instead of LA Gear, red jeans, a rainbow slushie at the circus.  I didn't get these things and I remember.  I try and give my kids what they want but I want them to appreciate it.  It's so hard to decide where to draw the line.  Brady's not perfect and either am I.  I'm trying not to focus on this ugly moment. Because after the ugly moments usually come the beautiful ones. 

The next day Brady was struggling with picking his snack helper.  He told me he wanted to pick John but didn't want Joshua to cry.  He said he hates when Joshua cries because he his best friend.  I was so proud of him for caring about other's feelings and being empathetic.  It almost made me forget the Wegman's incident  Almost.