Armed with a corkscrew, I flung open the fridge door and grabbed a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. It had been chilling during the 90-minutes I spent attempting to get my three daughters to bed.
Two twists and I pulled that cork out.
And like a raging waterfall into my Waterford Crystal cup, I poured myself a glass of the crisp, liquefied version of green-skinned grapes.
Sip, sip.
The dry yet subtly sweet white wine smoothly landed on my taste buds.
Ahhh.
Then I remembered my wine was a result of my toddler’s obnoxious whine all.day.long.
Chug-chug-chug.
Don’t believe me?
Here are 16 reasons my toddler cried today, also known as 16 reasons this momma needs a bottle of her own every night:
1 | She woke up.
2 | She wanted her blanket. She begged for her blanket. I gave her the blanket.
3 | She wanted popcorn and ice cream for breakfast instead of oatmeal.
4 | I threw away said oatmeal.
5 | She had to wear pants to the grocery store.
6 | I wouldn't let her eat lint from the dryer.
7 | I had to tell her Santa comes once a year, and it’s not tonight, this month or anytime this summer.
8 | She had to eat lunch before playing outside.
9 | It was windy when we went outside.
10 | I wouldn't allow her to nap with a container of yogurt.
11 | She woke up from her nap.
12 | Her sister looked at her.
13 | I told her she couldn't have M&Ms and graham crackers for dinner.
14 | She wanted the pink sippy cup with the green lid not the orange sippy cup with the yellow lid.
15 | She wanted to bounce in her sister’s crib, read books and go swimming before bed.
16 | It was time for bed.
To the moms who never have enough tissues on hand for the crazy yet true reasons their toddlers cry each day: I’m holding up my half-empty bottle to you. We’ll drink through this together. And who knows? With enough wine of our own, maybe we’ll laugh about it someday, too.
It is clear to me now, two kids and two different experiences later: our babies are born ready. All they need is for us to be ready to listen, and respond.
I had no idea how infuriating the question “how can I help?” would be when there was a sink full of bottles and an empty fridge. Mom friends to the rescue.
Beyond knowing how to handle a tantrum to avoid public embarrassment, we can begin to view them as a valuable opportunity to teach our children life skills.
ParentCo.
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