I wanted to share a recent experience that gave my ego a bit of a reality check!
This past Sunday, I visited the Bay Area Discovery Museum with my four children and my friend Michelle, who was a huge help. We had a lovely afternoon, enjoying the sandbox and water play area. Our last stop was the Forest Room and waterbed play area.
Everything was going great until 3:30 PM, when the PA system announced there were only 30 minutes left until closing. My 4-year-old daughter heard the announcement and immediately launched into a full-blown tantrum, crying and screaming, “I want to go home!” while running in circles in and out of the toddler house.
At that moment, I felt myself shrinking and wishing I could be anywhere else. The image of the “excellent mama of 4,” the calm and sweet family portrayal, and the “they have it down pat” look all vanished.
It took a lot of deep breaths and leaving the park to get her calm. As for me, it was a much-needed ego detox!
Incidents like these truly help keep me grounded and inspire me to find new solutions and opportunities for growth in both my parenting and my character.
