I remember an article circulating around a while back written by a woman admitting she had a favorite child. I never actually read it, but I think it pretty much said that we all have a favorite kid.
We just don’t admit it.
I have been thinking about this favorite child thing for a long time. And honestly, I don’t have one.
I really don’t.
It’s more like a least favorite child.
I can’t say there is a kid in this house that I would want to spend more time with above and beyond all the others.
But there is definitely almost always a kid who I can’t wait to put into bed.
Who I’m praying will sleep just a little bit longer.
Or who I will gladly send off on an errand with my husband. Or my dad. Or anyone.
Number 5 held the title of LFC until about a week ago.
She was ruthless.
Tireless.
Relentless.
She threw fits of epic proportions.
I found myself dreading the sound of her bus slowing down at our driveway, because as soon as she stepped foot in the house, there would be crying.
And lots of it.
For any reason.
Because her ponytail fell out. Because she couldn’t get her shoe off. Because I looked at her. Because I didn’t look at her.
I’d spend my afternoons running interference.
Don’t get her started! Just leave her alone! Whose is that??? IS THAT NUMBER 5’S???
And in less than a month, Number 5’s behavior had completely changed.
No more fits. No more screaming. No more hysterics.
I don’t think it actually registered until she had a couple fit-free days under her belt.
I was sitting in the office, doing some work, and Number 5 was quietly coloring at the table next to me.
I turned to her and said, “You know, you have been cooperating so nicely lately. I can’t even remember the last time you had a freakout!”
And she said to me, “I know Mommy. I like being like this. I think I’m going to keep doing it.”
And she went right back to coloring.
And so, the torch has been passed.
Because as it goes, as soon as you get one kid on track, there is another one who will invariably take over.
There is a new LFC.
I won’t say who it is.
I don’t think I need to.
You can probably figure that one out all on your own.
Haha! I so have a LFC right now. Love him to pieces but oh my gosh he drives me bonkers. I really need to start the whole no yelling thing. Like, for reals.
Haha I have one as well and it changes day by day but today I have to say it’s the one who pooped in their bed and rubbed it everywhere before he woke me up by touching my face with his yucky hands
Absolutely love your honesty with your writing. It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one thing these things. As a mom of 4 my LFC changes day to day,but there is one in particular who is in the lead this week. Who knew there were so many crises at 5 years old.
Yup…got one of those…she was a high maintenance, high strung screamer since the doctor delivered her.
Feeling your pain, Irene 🙂
So true!!!
Right now I do have a favorite. .. the 1 year old because he can not talk yet but I know he will soon be in the “least favorite child” rotation with my first 2! !
they keep us humble don’t they??!!
I read that article too and was so happy to have someone say it. Your thoughts are always liberating and refreshing.
Thanks. I will share on my page.
Thanks for sharing Kris! None of this stuff is easy!
Your blog is so cute and I love the pictures you put on there! It is so true that there is no favorite but there must be a least favorite. I like how number 5 got back on track and started behave well, I’m sure it is you who encouraged her to behave differently (in a good way) gradually. Also, parent’s attitude and ways of treating the kids are crucial to every child’s growth, I think everybody should watch out for that,
I always said my favorite was the one who behaved the best that day!
I always said. Yes I have a favorite. The one who is best that day.