My First Confession

My first blog post...a monumental occasion. I have created this blog because I sometimes feel lost when it comes to parenting. It is nice to know that other moms struggle like I do. For those mothers who feel like total screw-ups: This one's for you.


For weeks I have been dealing with my 5 year old daughter's growing attitude problem. Her favorite phrase has become "I hate you". Even though I know she doesn't mean it (most of the time), it still cuts me. I have done everything from giving checkmarks to spanking to discourage this behavior. One day I let myself burst into tears hoping it would appeal to her gentler nature. Nothing has discouraged her. Today, I finally had it and yelled back, "I hate you, too!" Was it the best response? No, but I didn't know what else to do. After we had both calmed down I told her I love her very much and that I don't hate her. I explained that I wanted her to know what it feels like to me when she says it. We both cried a little and hugged. Did we make progress? I don't know. Do I feel like a horrid mother? Absolutely. Am I human? Clearly. What do you think of my reaction?