That book everyone is talking about

I have to admit, when I first read the #1 best seller about how one parent struggles to get their child to sleep, I was laughing so hard I was crying.

Because which parent has not been frustrated? I don’t know about you, but I have no illusions—my children are dear to my heart but they are not perfect. I’m not perfect. My husband is not perfect. So together, our little family is a perfect storm. I mean, how many times can you tell your child that pillows are not chew toys or that the dog really does not appreciate being carried around? That yes, I meant no when I said no and if you ask me one more time your life is about to change.

We as parents get the opportunity to repeat ourselves often. In my life they include: Go to sleep. Clean your room. Brush your teeth. Yes, I meant all of them and not just the front ones. Dinner is whatever I cook so no, I will not be making you something special. Stop pulling the dog’s ears. Don’t pet the cat, she will bite you. Be nice to your sister/brother.

It’s hard not to get frustrated with the repetition. However, now that my son is seven, I’m running into something worse than just not hearing me/processing what I say—we are in the questioning phase.

Me: “You need to go take a bath.”
T: “Are you sure?”
Me: “Yes.”
T: “But I don’t really need one.”
Me: “I think you do. Go now.”
T: “Do you mean a bath where I use soap or where I soak in the water?”
Me: (GLARE)
T: “But I don’t need a bath.”
Me: (GLARE) “1, 2…”
T: (Grudgingly) “OK, I will take a bath. Geez, I was just asking.”

So yes, I get frustrated with my little angels. And you know what? It’s nice to hear that others can share the same frustration. My hubby and I are lucky—the sleep thing hasn’t been as big of an issue for us. But we can appreciate the humor and sentiment of the book. It applies to so many other situations.

What repeated scenarios frustrate you?

Reace Alvarenga-Smith is a Public Relations Manager for Texas Health Resources and Mom of two.