Dr Jeckel & Mr Hyde

I know that nobody really wants to read long posts, but this is really for me to write my thoughts and my feelings down. Feel free to read it if you want, or don't if you don't have the time or patience.

Six has been a rough age for my oldest monster! I had thought that as he got older the whining would stop, boy was I wrong, not only did he whine but he started to throw these major tantrums (you know like a 2 year old) Screaming yelling, hitting, kicking, but it was worse because he started to say things like I HATE (fill in the blank) or I don't love (mostly me) anymore. The tantrums usually start with little things, but then the more trouble he gets in the worse it gets, and they don't stop for a really long time. I give him points for tenacity. We tried to reason, we tried to punish, we tried to ignore, we tried prayers, and all different combos of those methods. I rarely kept my cool during his fits, I hated that I had become evil-mom (frankly my behavior was not much better then his!)It also seemed that he was always hungry when he would have these episodes (sound familiar mom!) I remember going on mad rampages, even in my teens, when I was hungry. Okay step one, don't transform into psyco mom, step two, keep this kid fed!

It wasn't just the tantrums that have been difficult for us but his attitude. I keep thinking that he's six going on sixteen (as a girl). We were talking in the car and he corrected me. (Sorry, I can't remember what we were talking about.) I really knew I was right and he was wrong, but he persisted. Finally after a few minutes of arguing about it I said. "Jason, who knows more, Mommy or you!" He didn't answer.... So I persisted. "Jason do you think that you know more things then Mommy?"...... Jason Simply answered.... "Yes"! I knew this day would come but it's so soon!


I know that we're not out of the woods yet but there have been some really amazing things that have come out of him in the last few days. I would like to say other than his fits, Jason is a really polite, kind and gentle boy, he loves to clean up, do his school work, and talk (to anyone that will listen.) Jason said the prayer for dinner last night and he prayed that he would be nice and kind. Maybe he really was listening to me? Then he cleared the table after dinner, loaded the dishwasher and put the food away (it was great!) This morning during scriptures I was asking about what Nephi did when he wasn't sure if something was true and Jason looks up from his cereal and proclaims "He prayed, and got an answer" Wow, I guess things are sinking in. So I'm feeling good today. I know that there will be rough times and no doubt more tantrums too. But I can't help but feel optimistic, when we are doing the right things, making good choices, reinforcing principals (either gospel, or basic life skills) that we make an impact, if not now down the road. Sure, I may know less then my six year old, but I feel strongly that this is true. Huh, I didn't intend for this to be spiritual lesson, but like I said I wrote it for myself, this is what I must need to learn from it. I have been thinking of a line from the song I believe in Christ... "...And while I strive through grief and pain, His voice is heard: 'Ye shall obtain' I believe in Christ; so come what may!" I know I am not struggling through grief and pain at the moment more like irritation and frustration, but the point is the same, we will be fine because we believe in Christ and live his gospel and though faith and work I shall obtain. So guess what world...BRING IT!