Mr. Mom Day 3

I am writing this at the start of day 4. There has already been a lamp knocked to the ground, a kitty scratch at the face incident, and many tears shed by Grace and Julia. So far it's a normal day for the Byrons when dad is in charge. Grace's volatility is so frustrating because she uses it to override any disciplinary situation. The initial infraction requiring discipline is rendered irrelevant by the new eruptions of histrionics. What's worse is that Julia seems to be studying Grace's technique!

Example: Ear-piercing shrieking is heard from the living room coming from Julia. I walk in to find Grace trying to pick Julia up and spin her around in circles. I suggest (maybe not so calmly) that she put her sister down. After all, it is kind of dangerous for Grace to be trying to swing Julia around. Not to mention Julia does not like this and Grace still insists on tormenting her. My quick-tempered response to Grace that she is not treating her sister kindly is met with an explosion of emotion. Rather than apologize for torturing Julia for the umpteenth time she yells at me, tries to kick me, and maybe even throws a toy. Next comes Grace's insistence that I am not her best Daddy and she wishes I could just go to jail. At this point we have moved so far beyond a discussion about why it's important to respect your sibling's desire not to be treated like a rag doll. In fact, having any discussion is moot since Grace will end this all herself by storming into another room and slamming the door.

I try really hard not to respond to these outbursts. I can have a temper myself if provoked and Grace is really good at provoking me. This is when I need Ellen. She is the blast wall that protects Grace and I from detonating each other. My new technique is to ignore her as soon as she begins her strategy of manipulation. But hey, I'm not perfect. Lord help us in 10 more years when Grace is 14 going on 15. Or worse, 16 going on 17. I shudder to think about what peace deals Ellen will be forced to broker.

So, let me end this post by saying a word or two about Day 3. It was foggy and wet all day. The temperature was warm and dad was tired. We walked to one of my favorite places in Macon, Washington Park (across the street from the post office). We snacked on a park bench and Grace and Julia threw Magnolia cones into the spring-fed stream. I made cheeseburgers for dinner and watched the Colts lose to San Diego in their playoff game. The game was a bummer capping off an otherwise normal day.