If you think you’re the meanest mom ever,
you’re not alone. And if you’re noticing a particularly squirrely
behavior pattern, you’re also, not alone. When I read I’m the Meanest Mommy Ever,
I felt better. A lot better. My kids have been INSANE! The whining, the
fighting , the yelling, the hooting. And, yes, like that mommyblogger,
I’ve been yelling and threatening- and just plain wiped. To the kids’
defense, we’ve had visitors, gone to parties, and spent hours running
around like mad people in the attempt to do all the “fun” things on the
agenda.

Now, here it is, ten days out ’til Christmas and if gifts really
were contingent on Santa’s judgment, we’d all be screwed. Seriously,
our usual holiday highlight, decorating the tree, was more like an
afternoon in a three ring circus. Everyone was in spiteful spirits and
it became comical at one point. Here we are, lighting lights, hanging
decorations and one kid’s down the hall, balling because he was asked
to leave the room due to obnoxious behavior. A second child’s crying in
the playroom because his “stupid” brother got to put the star on top.
And me, I’m almost in tears because the “magic” of Christmas had
evaporated.

However, sometimes you have to hit the low point to realize that
there has to be a better way. In her article, she says she stopped the
insanity and went sticky sweet. I’m right there, sister. And, I’m also
pretty sure it’s the holiday season that makes everyone feel so crappy
that they tip into “new year’s resolution” mode. I assume it’s because
during the “mst wonderful time of the year” everything’s supposed to be
perfect, magical and memorable. When it falls short, it adds stress and
guilt and agitation. I didn’t send cards this year but now I feel bad!
I forgot to plan a family portrait and now I feel guilty. The kids are
hopped up on Christmas cookies and tweaking from red dye #5…and I’m
yelling “sit down” or “be quiet!”. What a dynamic, right?

Still, when the magic of Christmas morning comes, everything is
right with the world…that is until the fighting over toys and whining
over who got what begins. And so with that in mind, I continue on
trying to make this year special.

The Meanest Mommy Ever