Crying in front of toddler
Has anyone else just completely lost it emotionally and cried in front of your child?
For context my little one is pushing so many boundaries right now, everything is a battle.
If I say no or tell her to do something with some authority in my voice ( I don’t like shouting ) she loses it. Will scream and cry and take herself to her room until she calms down enough for a hug and I can ask her what’s up.
But today has just been a day of non stop neediness, constant touching and chatter chatter chatter along with tantrum after tantrum.
After about 2 tantrums where I asked her to stop being dangerous jumping on a rocking chair and to zip up her coat I just lost all composure and cried for a good solid 5 minutes.
While I was crying I did try talk to her to ask her if she’s ok and to say mammys just crying for a minute.
But she was just quiet and kind of hid from my view while staying close by.
But then she came in to ask me if I was finished crying yet and to show me she had put her coat on for me, which made me cry even more because I don’t want to be a parent who emotionally blackmails their child to do something for them, not that she would get that at this age, but still.
I guess I just want to know if anyone else has cried in front of their kid after they’ve had a tantrum and to get some confirmation that it’s not going to negatively impact her.
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I could have written this! I had a couple of times like this. My little girl went so silent and looking seriously at me. Then gave me a big hug which made me cry even harder.
You’re not alone, I’m sure others had this too.
Thank you for being so real! We all have days like this I’m sure. I definitely have. And the guilt is immense! But I think it’s healthy for them to withness all range of emotions and the way you have explained to her even during is admirable!
Oh yea a bunch of times. I always explain what’s going on to my kids - mommy is feeling overwhelmed right now because x y and z - my two little ones are 13 months apart so there was many tough days where I felt overwhelmed - I am honest about what I’m experiencing and I also let them know they aren’t doing anything wrong but that it is normal for anyone to get overwhelmed at times or cry at times, etc. you’re doing a great job mama, as long as you aren’t crying 24/7 I think she’ll be ok! Also janetlansbury.com has a bunch of helpful articles/transcripts of podcasts if you are looking for guidance - type what you are looking for in the search bar
I’ve not cried but I’ve been close a few times. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re allow moments like that, this age is very testing at times. You’re doing great
Thanks ladies, even just knowing one other mum has felt the same way has lifted a little weight!
The guilt is the worst part. Especially when they’re tucked up in bed and I’m thinking back on the day and I think ‘Jesus why couldn’t I just hold it together a little while longer’.
Thanks I’ll definitely give it a gander and see. I used to follow so many mammy pages on insta but had to stop because I couldnt tell up from down with the conflicting advice so hopefully this helps!
Xx
Thank you for posting this, as this has been me this week too. We are currently in America visiting family and my little girl has been really upset at times; refusing to get into the car, lying on the floor outside the shop she didn’t want to leave and today she ran all over some flowers at my Grandma’s nursing home 😥. My Grandma is in her 90s, so trying to keep her needs in mind and a toddler is quite intense! I don’t have any advice but thank you for sharing this, and I hope tomorrow is better for you both 🙂🩷 xoxo
it’s so hard to mind grown up emotions while your little one is having a melt down.
I feel for you considering the age of your grandmother and hope you still get to have a good visit!
Here’s hoping they both calm down a little for our sanity and enjoy your holiday :) x
I cried today after my toddler threw something at me and not listening to me. I just broke down crying and I felt so bad about it but he was so sweet and got a tissue wiping my eyes and said sorry and hugged me. 😭🥹
I think when they’re really sweet when you’re crying it makes me feel worse for some reason!
Like get it together mum 😅
But I’m really thinking that the above comments are right, it’s good to show them your own emotions too.
My little one woke this morning singing the “little bug on the wall” song from bluey so zero negative impact on from yesterday 🙌🏼
We have a 2 week old and of course our toddler has been finding the transition hard, I've found her behaviour so challenging at times, mainly because I'm so exhausted. I've cried multiple times infront of her the past few weeks, stress tears and happy tears! Mum guilt has been real 🥲she has said a few times 'mummy are you happy today? You not sad anymore' then obviously I have to hold back the tears! I do think it's important they see other people's emotions, and as much as I've hated her see me cry, I think it's helped her to recognise we're all only human and it's okay to cry! X
Its good for them to see their consequences have actions and you can make mummy sad too... you're not bulletproof x
I have a couple of times. I feel guilty at the time but reflecting I think it’s good to show the emotion tbh, show how things can make us feel, that it’s ok to cry. And encourages empathy in them too.
There’s a difference between emotional blackmail and a genuine emotional response for sure, I don’t think it’ll negatively impact her.
I hope you have a better day! X
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