The perfect way to settle an argument

It is fair to say that there are times when I am not the nicest person in the world. Early mornings and late evenings are never a time for calm, rational conversations in our house. On odd occasions I am calm and approachable, but normally I am tired and irritable and best avoided.

So it came as a huge relief this morning to read the lovely NotSupermum’s post The Bad Mother Club and discover I am not alone in sometimes finding this whole parenting business a tad exhausting.

Recently one seven-year-old little girl has given me a glimpse of the teenage years ahead.  At times it has tested my patience. It’s not just her sudden interest in make-up (she was putting eye shadow on her fingers yesterday, for some reason), or wanting her hair a certain way, it’s the development of what some would call ‘an attitude.’

It’s hasn’t been the easiest week for IJ, so I'm cutting her a little slack and trying to remain calm when she flies off the handle for no obvious reason. It has taken a lot of time and energy to reassure her that the things she is learning in history happened a long time ago – she has been worried about meeting Henry VIII because he chops people’s heads off, she tells me.

So yesterday after a week of late nights, exhaustion and general grumpiness had set in on both sides. A late night conversation with IJ about having her fringe cut ended in another argument and a lot of stomping around.

When it had reached the point where she was sitting in one room and me in another, she suddenly produced this:
Written in haste it says: I love you, please give me a kiss.

The perfect way to settle an argument, wouldn't you say?

Comments

[notSupermum]

Oh bless her. My teenager used to leave me notes like that at the top of the stairs. Not she just sends me text messages saying "why are you so evil?".

Thanks for the link btw, much appreciated. x

[Nic's Notebook]

Awww I used to do things like this when I was wee. I had a "postbox" on my bedroom door and used to leave notes in it for my mum - usually to apologise about something or other lol!

[stigmum]

I was thinking Awww too!! The amount they forgive us for our little kids! Or else like mine at the moment, the first to settle an argument. Then they grow up....!! Enjoy the cuddles!!

[Marylin]

Awww bless her wee soul. Bet you just melted reading that. :)

[Cass@frugalfamily]

Aaaaw that's lovely, I have a few notes like that somewhere too. I also have a matching attitude on my 8 year old! I'm dreading the teenage years!

[Rosie Scribble]

I'm sure it won't be long before I'm getting those sorts of text messages. I've already been called a loser. Nice!

[Rosie Scribble]

Aww. I love the idea od a postbox on your bedroom door. We might try that!

[Rosie Scribble]

I'm enjoying the cuddles while I can. It won't be long until cuddling your mother simply isn't cool!

[Rosie Scribble]

Yes, you can't really argue with a note like that.

[Rosie Scribble]

This "attitude" has emerged only recently. She is starting to sulk already if she has to something 'major' like attempt to brush her own hair. Who knows where this is leading. I thought we had to wait until they were at least 13!

[maddydodo]

So gorgeous! Just hoping mine write me lovely notes like that one day, once they can write at all, that is!

[Mwa (Lost in Translation)]

Best note ever.

[Heather Davis]

I think it's hard for them when they are trying to "grow up" but deep down inside they are still little children. I still see that with my teenager and she is 18. They always need to be reassured no matter how much they fight against you that they are loved. Doesn't sound like your a "bad mother" at all just trying to get through each day like the rest of us!

[Heather D]

I'm having one of those days where I could cry with it all (in fact I may have to go to bed early in case I do!) and really related to this post - thanks for making me feel fractionally less to blame.