Why Is 4 So Difficult?

Oh, C. I love you so much. You're my sweet, tender-hearted, caring, oh-so-serious boy. You take everything very literally and to heart. You are very smart, too smart for mommy and daddy's own good, I fear. But, why, oh WHY do you have to pitch such fits?

Four years old is proving tough for me. I've probably mentioned it before. It's worth mentioning again. C has taken to tantruming. A lot. Did I mention, a lot? Just this morning he burst into a fit of tears and screaming because he did not want to get out of bed. Wanted pancakes instead of eggs, and did not want to pull the chair up to the counter to "help" prepare breakfast. I'm usually a softie mom, but this morning, after having NO sleep because a certain four year old would not go to sleep, I was tired and cranky, and late. So, this time, I let him scream while I went ahead and made breakfast. His shreiks of "you hurt my feelings!" and "you're being mean to me!" broke my heart. I don't want to be harsh with him, but I have to teach him that you can't live your life throwing tantrums to get things.

We're really struggling with behavior right now, and I'm at a loss on what to do. The time outs don't seem to be working. We've tried losing priviledges or toys when he acts up, but that's not making a dent either. I'm considering trying a "behavior jar" and putting money or some other trinket in it and then taking one away when he acts up. Then, at the end of the week he can have a treat associated with whatever he has left. Hopefully, that will work.

We're also struggling with sleep, still. He doesn't fall asleep on his own. He doesn't stay in his bed. Many many many people say to let him cry it out. I did try that once, but it didn't go well. I suppose that I can try again, but am I going to scar him for life? That sounds so dramatic, but he's so tender-hearted. What to do??? We've tried rewards for falling asleep alone, but he just says he can't do it. The thing is, he CAN, he has done it when visiting my dad.

Right now I feel very lost as a mommy, like I'm not doing it right at all.

Life According to C and A

C: Mommy, I do not want to go to school on Friday.

Me: Why not?

C: It's talk like a pirate day on Friday and my friends will be dressed up like pirates.

Me: Well, that sounds fun! Why don't you want to go?

C: I just don't.

Me: Is there a reason? ARrrrgghh, talking like a pirate is fun, matey!

C: It's just too much fun for me, mommy.


*****

A: I want a pepop! (read: lollipop)

Me: No, you may not have a pepop until you eat your dinner.

A: I want a pepop!

Me: Nope, not until after dinner.

A: I no want dinner.

Me: Ok, you don't have to eat if you're not hungry, but you can't have a pepop.

A: [tantrum] I no want dinner! I want pepop! I gonna take my ninny and run away!

{How is it that my 2 year old knows about running away??}

Later:

C: I want ice cream.

A: NO! You have to eat dinner first!!!