Hard work

Atti's latest saying is 'it's hard work'. And it has been hard work over here.

We have both been sick, and I have far too much work on at the moment. And my kid has been a bit trying too. Last week we had a moment that was the first time in his nearly two years where I wanted to hit him. It was momentary, and I didn't do it, but I did have a moment of actually wanting to hit him.

I choose not to physically discipline my child, or at least not to hit him. Considering how often I physically stop him doing something, or pick him up and take him away from something, or just how I will dress him or change a nappy or put him down in bed against his will, I guess I can only really go with not hitting. 

I made this choice for a bunch of reasons. I don't necessarily disagree with others who choose to do it, but I think I there are a range of other options, and I prefer to utilise those. Anyway, that is not what this post is about.

It is just a bit rough sometimes. I am going through a rough patch. I am going to hand in a crappy assignment, probably a bit late. My volunteer work isn't going well. I am tired and cranky with all the people I live with. My camera is broken and needs mending. Just lots of this kind of stuff, that is making it hard to be happy. Also, I really can't shake this cough and sniffles.

But anyway, 'it's hard work' this parenting gig.

Mind you, he is also saying 'it's funny' - usually when he does something he knows he is not allowed to do. Throw a toy at the cat 'it's funny'. Chuck his drink bottle on the floor - 'it's funny'. You get the picture.

And then there is this

Playing at the park with his friend J.

That makes so much of it better. Also, he is sleeping through again, which makes everything better!