Parenthood Woes

I have been so caught up in not having sleep with my baby and the little trials you have with young children that this new trial hit by surprise! And that is having a tween! Kalli is ten and a wonderful girl but this week we have had some struggles. I have been spoiled with Kael (age 14) because he is quiet and not as intense as Kalli. Plus he's a boy and he doesn't get as moody and emotional as we girls get! This week we had some issues that I won't get into here. I will say that it is so important to build good relationships with your kids before they hit puberty! It is so important to keep the lines of communication open and no matter what let your kids know that you love them no matter what they do. That being said, I am not putting up with disrespect and there are consequences for unacceptable behavior. Sigh. I think that even though it has been hard dealing with the issues with my young children, I would rather deal with no sleep and potty training and messes than with this! I guess I will just have to accept that my kids will grow up whether I like it or not and as they grow I will have different challenges to deal with. After they are young people, I may get my sleep again but I will have to deal with hormones and battle of wills. Hopefully I will get through this and all my kids will be good people and be productive members of society!