Learning on the fly

First I would like to say that whatever this is that is going on with Ladybug is keeping me alert.  It challenges me.  I makes me make decisions quickly.  I makes me emotional.  And it makes for some interesting stories.  My life would be so boring without her (and her issues) -- but some days I could stand some boredom.

Ladybug was having a decent day yesterday.  A few minor issues at school.  A few rude remarks at home.  A ridiculous level of energy.  But overall good.  She had homework that required the use of my computer - her teacher has educational games on a website and sometimes she is suppose to play them.  So I gave up my beloved computer for a while.  I let her sit next to me and play a game...while I finished up my taxes.

When she had 15 minutes left to play, I told her.  She cheerfully said okay.  When she had 5 minutes left to play, I told her.  She cheerfully said okay.  When I told her it was time to shut down, she had fireworks.  She pushed the computer away.  She "ARRRGGGGG!"  She stomped out of the room.  I called her back.  She turned and walked back to me.  She had the ugly, evil, hateful look on her face.  That face that says "watch this lady, cause you haven't seen anything yet!"  I told her to take a deep breath.  So she pursed her lips. 

Soft, gentle, caring was not going to work.  I told her to wipe the look off her face.  No matter what she was feeling she had no right to treat me that way.  She looked at me like I must be kidding.  I told her to be angry.  I told her to feel whatever she was feeling.  But she was not allowed to give me dirty looks.  And she had to go brush her teeth and get in her pajamas.  She turned on her heel and went.

Really?  That is all it took?

So I decided to push my luck. 

When she came down when she wasn't in a better mood.  But she looked like she was.   So I called her over.  I pulled her onto my lap.  I cradled her in my arms like a baby.  And she let me.  So I asked her what she was hoping for when she acts like that.  She said she was angry.  Good!  Proper identification of an appropriate emotion.  I asked her how she was hoping I would do because she got angry.  At which point she yelled at me, "I HATE YOU!"

And I calmly said "I know."  So she repeated it.  "I HATE you."  And I said "I understand."  So she said "I hate you."  And I said "Great."

And then she looked up at me.  Smiled.  And farted.  Then broke into giggles.  And I was just grateful it was a fart and not vomit.

Mean Mama