The Tears Shall Fall Like Rain

As if we aren't all holding onto our precious sanity as teachers during the last week before Christmas, the fierce and independent youth of my household are wreaking havoc. Well, wreaking havoc in their room anyway.

My three and a half year old is desperately seeking independence, yet his motor skills haven't quite caught up to his mental capabilities. Inciting tears when he cannot zip his jacket, buckle the seatbelt or put on his shoes right away, the first time. He is also trying out his demands for sugary treats when his dinner hasn't been finished AND he has been a pill for the entire night. Um, NO. My mother-in-law calls them "love nos". Last night, Ian tantrumed about not getting hot chocolate and cookies at 8pm. I sent him to bed. Put him in the room, got him undressed and let him cry it out. He came out to argue a bit more, so back he went. I told him he could read books by himself with the nightlight, but I was done arguing. He settled down and was asleep rather quickly.

Tonight he decided to play with his food at the table, throw it around and then ask for treats. Tom gave him two choices-eat dinner nicely or go to bed. Where did he go? To bed. Where he is still awake, reading his book. We decided to calmly set the tone and not get into arguing matches with him. He is responding better (not great) tonight. I cannot tolerate whining and bossiness with him. Repeat: I am the parent. I am the parent.

Connor is fine, actually. He has even had a dose or two of tough love. After discovering the tv on and off button, he enjoys playing with the tv, turning it to static, playing with volume etc. I signed the word and said NO and move him away from the tv and turned it off. He proceeded to roll around and cry until I walked away. He went right back to the tv and started playing with the buttons. Then, I signed and said NO, closed the tv doors (we smartened up a few years back and got the closing cabinet-a genius moment). He again rolled on the floor for a good while until he found one of his cars. I know he needs to communicate instead of rolling on the floor, but honestly he has to be disciplined the same as my older one or we will have a demon on hand. I know he has autism, but he is a child first and I intend to make sure he is treated fairly but not favorably. If that even makes any sense. My brain hurts from all of the discipline, honestly.

My brother-in-law called last night in the aftermath of Ian's tantrum and I am glad he did. I was feeling pretty crappy, but he always has positive things to say and talk about, so it got me into a more productive mood.

My mother-in-law has reassured me that this is normal. That I also should reconsider the sugar issues because that can make the best of children devilishly moody.

So, the tears fall like rain-theirs, mine-but the greater good is coming.......right?? RIGHT???!!!!