Has your child ever made you so frustrated that you started to cry?

Question

I have a 14 month old son. He's our only child. He hasnt always been a whiny child, but he's at this stage right now where he IS. I (by myself) had taken my son to a restaurant the other day and he just started whining and crying out of nowhere. He wanted to get out of the highchair. Before we even got there, I had already fed him and he already had time to rest. I couldnt figure out what he wanted because usually its either he's hungry or tired. At that time, it was ME who was hungry and tired. Out of embarrassment from his loud whining and crying in the restaurant, I decided to take him and our food outside into the car and just eat in there. I was so frustrated because I had had a long day and his screaming was just what it took to just make me start to cry to myself ( when we were in the car). Is that not normal? Does that mean anything bad about me as a mother? Because after a while, I started to feel dumb for even crying like that.

Answer 1

Welcome to world of being mommy. First off dont sweat it doll.. any of us who has had a kiddo has at some point had to step back and have a tantrum of our own. I think you handled it wonderfully. Being tired and hungry and even sometimes hormonal will do that to anyone. Your a great mom. Even though you felt overwhelmed you exercized patience. There are so many children in this world who get abused and hurt by parents so anytime you feel like crying just understand that there are far worse ways of handling stress! Kids go through phases so sometimes what they normally do they diverge from. that particular day might have just been his whiney phase and poor mom you was just already zonkered. Big hugs and chin up. Your doing great mom!

Answer 2

It's normal for both of you to feel that way. He is just doing what all children do at that age. He probably had a long day as well and that is how he react to stress. You had enough of it all and dealt with it your way. We as mothers all go through it and I don't think your a bad mother just take this as a lesson learned and if he is really fussy that day then a restaurant may not be such a good idea just go for fast food or take out. Call the restaurant ahead of time, order what you want and pick up. Save yourself the hassle on those stress full days. On the other hand he has to learn that he has to behave at a restaurant so go back on a day your well rested and bring out some toys he hasn't seen in a while or crayons with you to entertain him while your eating. Good luck! We've all been there. Stay strong

Answer 3

Don't worry about anything, you are doing a great job. I've been through the same thing. I have two daughters. My oldest will be three in May and my youngest is 15 months old. I think its good to cry, lets out a lot of anger, stess, and you feel better after. It is a lot of work taking care of your children, and you need to have some time set aside for YOU. I had to learn that the long hard way. Whenever your son goes down for a nap, do something for yourself to make yourself feel better. Have a nap while he naps, have a hot bath, watch a movie, read a book, have a nice hot cup of tea, get some exercise, and the list goes on. Don't feel guilty about the dishes not getting done, or not tidying up the house. That will be there later. Like my mother told me after both my daughters were born, sleep when they sleep. Now that they are getting older and sleep through the night, do something special for yourself. Reward yourself because you deserve it. Have the grandparents take him for a night and go out with some friends and have fun. You have nothing to worry about. You are doing great and don't feel dumb about crying, because its better to let it out than it is to hold it in. Hope this helped a little.

Answer 4

YES! My kids are now 20, 19 and 14 and I had many days like you had.

I'm sorry you went through that...toddlers can be hard to handle. He's just whiny because he cannot tell you what he wants and even though you tried to figure it out you couldn't. Hey, you're only human.

A good resource for you might be Dr. Harvey Karp's "The Happiest Toddler on the Block," which is available in book form or DVD.

You're doing a great job! Give yourself some credit.

Answer 5

Congratulations! You have a baby! Or just a kid in general.

Of course it is normal to feel frustrated and stressed out, otherwise it would be called 'easy' instead of 'parenting'. Just wait, it gets fun with more.

Oh and not only that but I also applaude you for taking your baby outside of the restaurant. Many people are arrogant and stubborn to the point where they will ruin other people's meals by not doing what you did. Thank you.

I hope I could be of some help to you.

Answer 6

I have 2 kids 6 and 8 and I have cried many times out of frustration and anger. They are a wonderful blessing but we all have those moments. And you will probably have more, there have been times I have been crying while holding my crying daughter in the corner LOL. Just take a deep breath and go on, crying is better than letting your anger get the best of both of you.

Answer 7

You handled this situation PERFECTLY! Kids have their moods and parents do too! And the way you handled this situation could not have been done better by an EXPERT parent ( which there are none) so be proud! I wish you the best-because there will be many more trying times in the next 18 years that will make you cry and more!

Answer 8

Sure thats normal. He just wanted to get out of the high chair like you said. You can't always give in or he will know what to do to get what he wants all the time.
Just wait until he gets to be a burly, sarcastic teenager. You'll either want to cry or smack the sarcasim right out of their mouth!

Answer 9

He is going through the terrible 2 stage. It usually lasts until they are 3 or 4. Just be firm he is just testing his boundaries.

Answer 10

Welcome to being a parent.
Can you handle it?
What I mean is, don't take it out on the child.

All part of the job.

Good luck