Continuing on from my car-less saga, I spent last Saturday with #1 around town. She accompanied me to a book launch after which we grabbed a simple lunch followed by a trip to Spotlight.
We ate at a hippy-looking eatery, and the self-service ordering process was so complicated that #1 had to decode his questions and ended up making the decisions about what toppings, sauces or sides I wanted.
Too many choices to be made under pressure in dim surroundings. All too much for me. I felt like an auntie. But it was a lovely mummy daughter meal sans little kids blabbing non-stop.
After making our way through spotlight, I was beat and ready to head home. At the bus stop, she checked her phone and announced that the bus would be coming in 7 minutes.
Oh yes, bus apps. That was nice to know.
The bus came promptly in 7 minutes, and after chatting for a bit, I fell asleep. What a nice change from me driving and people falling asleep behind me! I was gently woken up by #1 whispering, “Mum, wake up.”
I opened my eyes and noticed that it was pouring.
Oh dear. It was a far walk home and we didn’t have an umbrella.
“Don’t worry mum, I’ve already called an Uber and it will be here in.. (checking her app) 2 minutes.”
Surprised at her quick thinking, I was glad, but wondered if it was a waste of money since it was just a short ride in to our estate.
Reading my mind, #1 added, “It’s just 1 cent! There’s a promo.”
Really?! Wow.
I looked up at her.
Suddenly, I felt small. My kids can now take care of me?
The way technology is taking over our world, soon I will be reliant on them, and not the other way around.
It was a humbling moment.
The memories of those years of screaming at them and punishing them in mean ways go stand outside the door if you cannot abide by the rules of this house! or no going to the playground for a month! where I was boss and they were at my mercy, came flooding back.
I was a monster mum.
It was only many years later that I learnt the proper way to discipline them. To guide them gently yet firmly, and always with love.
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| Ice cream night |
Thank goodness children are forgiving.
I still trip up at times, and just last night, #5 was testing my patience, refusing to pack his bag and get ready for bed and I ended up yelling at him, something I haven’t done in a long time.
Kate came next to me and said, “Mummy, don’t shout. You will lose your voice and then you cannot talk to me.”
That calmed me down instantly!
I need to constanly remind myself that the other kids are watching and how I respond will be they way they learn, imitate and treat their younger siblings and children in future.
Tip #6: Ban books? What are you gonna do about phones?
Tip #7: 10 House Rules for Gadget Use
Tip #8: What do you do when your 2-year old lies?
Tip #9: When the gramps can’t say ‘no’
Tip #10: 6 Tips to stop tantrums in toddlers
Tip #11: Who has the energy to discipline our kids?