My 17 year old teenager (OK,she is 17 months old but I swear she behaves like the former age) is headstrong and assertive as well as fiercely independent. As much as I admire those qualities in my child, sometimes I wished she would just be a kid and listens to her mother.
Pebbles 'descended' into the Terrible Two era rather prematurely at 14 months. Her progress was rapid and it was obvious that she was throwing tantrums simply because we could not understand her. I found it (still finding it) difficult to be a few steps ahead of her to avert any tragedies.
While I was holidaying with my mother, sisters and my baby niece, Pebbles threw the tantrum of her life. We were at a Chinese restaurant that was teeming with customers. Pebbles was hungry and tired and started wailing. Pippa and I took turns to comfort her but it didn't work until we gave her some ice cream. By then, everyone was looking at us and I was very embarrassed. I wished hubby was with me and I gently chided myself for being overly dramatic until I overhead a man telling his grown children that he was lucky his kids didn't cause a scene at public places. My heart shrivelled and I had no appetite to have my dinner. Later that night, Pebbles threw another round of tantrum and out of frustration, I smacked her leg in 3 quick successions which obviously did not help with the situation as she cried even louder. Eventually she slept off but I was overcome with mortification of what I did. I realized I reacted that way because of what the man said. I was deeply ashamed but I also knew that I was very tired and the fact that Pebbles chose the wrong time to act up did not help.
Fast forward a few days later, we three attended a wedding which ended with a lunch buffet. Having woken up earlier than usual, Pebbles was grumpy and insisted on eating by herself. Not wanting to make a mess and be embarrassed, I pleaded my hubby (who was hungry, poor thing) to take her away while I wolfed down my lunch and then I would look after her. A kind lady next to me said to let Pebbles eat by herself and it is okay if she messed up the place, the servers can help to clean. I was sweating profusely and my nose was blocked, my mind was telling me to eat quickly and I was praying hard that Pebbles would not break down but when the lady spoke to me gently, my heart soared. Her simple words touched my heart and I felt grateful. I was grateful for not being judged. I called my hubby and he came over with a rather flustered Pebbles. The kind lady continued talking to Pebbles in her lilting voice and she (thankfully) settled down and I even managed to feed her a few spoonfuls of food.
Her own kid was messing up the table and when I offered her some wipes she gently refused and said to save them for my own usage. She proceeded to talk about her kids, she has three while meticulously cleaned up the mess with her hands and a tissue. She even complimented my hubby for being supportive and helpful with Pebbles (I am blessed!)
She then left and I realized that I did not ask for her name! She may be a stranger but she made my day. The few minutes of conversation made me realize that kind words go a long way and I have resolved to pass it on.
Thank you sweet and kind lady. May God bless you always.
Image from Google
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