The thing is, I really feel a bit cross, and like dd was a brat. I feel that, but I know it's her job to be a 2-year-old. If things go wrong, it's down to me. I get that. I do.
I just wish I didn't keep getting it wrong.
I try, and then I feel crappy when it all goes pear shaped, because it's like my best isn't good enough.
Dd is very nearly 3.
We went to the shopping centre. She is always asking if we can hire one of their car shaped trollys, and today we did. The plan was to brrrm brrrm in the car to the toy shop, have a look at all the toys while I chose a baby gate, and then go for a juice.
Nice! A pleasant shopping trip, no?
So we get to the checkout and there are a few extra bits in the trolly that I'm happy to buy for the children. I was just paying when dd went into absolute meltdown. Screaming, crying, wailing. At first I thought it was because I'd put aside the penguin pen her brother had been playing with. It's not like her to tantrum, so I thought maybe we'd had a misunderstanding and she thought I was getting them the penguin pen, so I added it to the pile.
Still screaming.
Finally realise that she wanted to pay. Well, it's too late because I already have. We leave and sit and have a chat. I explain that I didn't understand that's what she wanted, and that shouting at Mummy isn't a good way to let me know.
Thought maybe everyone's blood sugar was a bit low so we head to the smoothie bar. She requests a red smoothie. I order her a 'red rocket' or something. When it comes it's pink, not red.
Complete meltdown. Screaming and crying that she wanted red, not pink. TBH I'd had enough, so I shrugged, said okay, if you don't want this one you don't have to drink it. Popped it straight into the bin. Headed straight to the car, and we've come home.
Dd is flabberghasted. She initially made a big fuss about wanting a red one. I was just driving, making non-commital noises. Then she realised that she wasn't going to get her way, so put on her very best 'being good' voice and said "Excuse me Mummy, please may I have the pink smoothie back?" I said quite nicely that she couldn't because it had gone in the bin. She asked why. I said because she hadn't wanted it, and had got cross.
More tears.
I feel rotten. I had a tantrum just as much as she did, didn't I. Just quieter and with fewer tears!
Tell me where I'm going wrong, what I should have done.
I'm left feeling as though I made all that effort to have a nice trip out, and she spoiled it by being brattish. But I KNOW the problem is in my handling of it, not with her. I don't know why I'm feeling so childish about it. She's 2 fgs.
Are people going to make harsh comments about me now?