A Dose of Tough Love........

Parenting is tough. I am the type of parent who likes to make my kids happy. I do not like to punish them and take things away. However, I also refuse to raise kids who are disrespectful, rude, and just plain spoiled so that means that I sometimes have to use tough love........i'm sure it is just as tough if not tougher on me than on them. Or should I say on her, who might I be talking about.............

Well, actually i'm not talking about my crazy little Katelin this time but trust me she will get her dose of tough love in time.......this darling little girl of mine is going to give us a run for our money, I have no doubt!!!














I would be talking about my other darling daughter, yeap this one........

And darling she is.......she's also beautiful and smart and talented and I love her to pieces. If I am not feeling well, she is the first to make me a drink, get me a blanket, anything to make me feel better. Teachers LOVE her, she is an angel at school. Other parents LOVE her she is respectful and well behaved at others houses but............

yes there is a big but, there are times when she doesn't like what what she is told to do or not to do or whatever and the horns pop out, i'm not talking a little sassiness.............no i'm talking kicking, yelling, crying, backtalking........all out tantrum. Yes she is 8 and no my 6 year old doesn't do this, really my 2 year old doesn't even do it. It is ridiculous!

This is where the tough love comes in, she used to get punished then she would apologize and I would let up on the punishment a little, well the fact that it still happens tells me I have to be harsh. So last night, guess what???? Yeah a tantrum, she got grounded from the computer, told no sleepovers and sent to bed! She threw her fit, then went to balling and apologizing (which I could tell is a ....if I apologize maybe I will get out of trouble) but I stuck to my guns, ignored her as best as I could and then.............she shows me a sincere apology, understands she still has to have a punishment but that I appreciate her apology. We had a good talk and she went to sleep. She's been an angel today! It breaks my heart to see her so upset but as a parent we have to learn to use the though love and Rylie is definitely breaking me in on it.

Rylie has always been my high strung, high demand kid......she can go from complete angel to demon child in like 2 seconds! I am greatful my..........what's the word..........my challenging child was my firstborn she has taught me many invaluable lessons along the way. She is a beautiful, wonderful little girl and I know she will grow up to be an incredible person. She has taught me patience and how to remain calm in a stressful situation so for that Rylie.......I say thank you!