Packed up, baby girl ready to roll, and my mom joining the squad—it was Disney on Ice day! January disappeared in a blink, but I was determined to catch the show before it vanished too. Being a frugal soul, I opted for a weekday outing; the tickets were cheaper, and fellow parents vouched for it.
Cue the chaos: car packed, crew assembled, and excitement in the air. Just a quick peek at the showtime to ensure we hit the box office on time—smart move, right? Wrong. The show started at 10:30 am, not 11:30. We were on the brink of being fashionably late for a one-and-a-half-hour spectacle.
Parenting Plot Twist
I broke the news to my mom, and she suggested a night show. But bedtime for Aria and dinner plans with company didn't align. In a moment of panic, I excused myself to the bathroom to collect my thoughts. Did I mention it was the first day of my period? Double whammy.
In the midst of my meltdown, I called my husband for a reality check. His calming words didn't erase the mix-up, but I had to handle it solo.
Mama Drama
After a bathroom breather, I regrouped. Listening to my mom and daughter in the other room, I realized my baby was happily clueless about the missed Disney magic. It hit me—why ruin the whole day over one hiccup? I needed a plan B.
The Shift...
With my daughter none the wiser, we ditched the Disney disappointment for the DuPage
Children's Museum. Crisis averted, and we made the most of the day until nap time.
Parental Puzzles
Ever wonder, "Are we the new parents, or are we just winging it?" Trust me; you're not alone. Parenting isn't the fairy tale we imagined, thanks to changing generations and the unpredictability of our little ones.
Lessons Learned
Here are some lessons I've gathered from navigating the tumultuous toddler years:
1. Frustration is contagious. If you're frustrated, chances are your toddler is too. Take a breath, be patient, and find a reassuring response.
2. Not everything is a big deal. Sometimes, we make things bigger than our kids do. A calm tone and a simple explanation can often diffuse a situation.
3. We're all winging it. Just like our parents did. Trust your gut, listen to your child, and you're on your way to raising a great kid.
To all the parents out there needing a boost—hang in there. You're doing great!
See you all in the next one!
xoxo,
Comments