Part of parenting is remembering NOT to laugh when your child has a serious reaction to a small difficulty. One day, my daughter came inside, completely distraught. Several scenarios went through my mind as I asked her what was wrong. With the look on her face, I expected to hear something traumatic like seeing a bird crash into the house and die or someone lurking in the alley.
Instead, she said, “I kicked my flip-flop over the fence.”
She was almost in tears as she said it, but I couldn’t hold in my laughter. I asked what happened. She told me that she got mad at her brother for saying that they needed goals while kicking the ball, and she didn’t want to play that way. She kicked the ball in anger and lost her flip-flop in the process.
After she took a deep breath and calmed down, I sent them next door to see if anyone could retrieve the flip-flop. The kids came in saying no one was home next door. I sat with my daughter and told her we would try again later. Then we talked about the result of reacting in anger. I also told her she ought to wear real shoes to kick a ball.
This situation led me to think about all the times I’ve overreacted and all the ways I’ve learned to control my reactions and respond in more productive ways. I have years of experience to share with my children when they struggle with big emotions. So often the temptation to react to a situation only leads to more problems. Take a breath, evaluate the problem, and form a solution.
As I started supper, I sent her brother next door again, and the flip-flop was recovered. The neighbor also laughed. Once the problem was solved and the big emotions had passed, we could all laugh about the unfortunate flip-flop.
The next time you get angry, take a breath, and don’t kick your flip-flop over the fence!
Image recreated. No flip-flops were harmed in the writing of this blog.
7 comments
Josie - Me, Them and the Others
We are really struggling at the moment to help our ten year curb his overreactions to everyday misfortunes and it most definitely doesn’t help when we laugh but sometimes it’s just so hard not to. A flip flop over the fence would definitely have done it for me! Occasionally we can get him to see the funny side but usually not until after the event. #mischiefandmemories
growin49_wp
Oh, mama, I have been in the “don’t laugh no matter how funny it really is” place so many times! My husband and I have had to leave the room a time or two in such moments. It’s important to remember that these amazing little humans have huge emotions but no idea what to do with them. Everything is a teachable moment. Thank you for stopping by!
Annette, 3 Little Buttons
Bless her! A lost flip flop (especially if it’s a favourite) can feel like the end of the world. Those big emotions can really take over, and it’s fantastic that you were able to defuse the situation – even if there was a bit of giggling hehe. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories
growin49_wp
Laughter is one of the greatest diffusers of big emotions – only after acknowledging the big emotions, of course. Validation is an important part of teaching how do deal with the feelings.
loopyloulaura
I’m a giggler I’m afraid and often struggle to keep a straight face when something devastating (NOT!) occurs. I want my children to have the confidence to laugh at themselves. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
growin49_wp
My face talks in an out-loud voice, whether in moments of hilarity or moments of complete disbelieving frustration.
Serrana atacado
What a hilarious and relatable story! It’s so true that as a parent, you have to master the art of not laughing at a kid’s drama. The way Madilynn’s serious reaction was about a lost flip-flop is a perfect example of a small problem feeling like a huge one in a kid’s world.