Law & Order

Every parent know how its like when their kids are sick. Crankiness, topsy turvy routine, incessant wails, etc. are common while the kiddos are on medication. At times, I wonder how many of us actually stick to the rules and call for disciplinary actions at the onset of tantrums when you have a feverish toddler who is coughing and sneezing every other minute? Any comments, anyone?

I must confess I'm one of those parents who allow my kids to regress every time they fall ill. I'll try to give in to their demands, as long as it keeps them calm. Much as I know inconsistency is confusing to the kids, the feeling of being totally defeated, especially when I'm dead tired from sleep deprivation and on the verge of losing my mind, just makes me irrational amidst the mayhem.

This morning, after battling numerous episodes of the munchkins' dramatic acts, coupled with exhaustion from 3 sleepless nights in a row, I find myself losing my voice instead of my mind. That's a result of me speaking (at times, shouting) aloud for the past 4 days in order to be heard, while munchkins wailed or fought.

My partially deaf right ear seemed hurt from the cruel screams of my two 21-month old tots. I had to cover it whenever a new fight sparks off. But my sanity is still in place (thank God!). The munchkins finally cornered me to the point I decided enough is enough. I've just applied the good old "Cold Turkey" treatment on them by putting away items which were the "source" of their numerous fights. The usual rules were reinstated. As a result, Xuan had a 4-minute time-out this morning, while En got smacked on her hand twice for throwing a tantrum, hitting Xuan and attempting to hit Ya Ya as well.

Well, sounds like war at home? No! In fact, peace had just been restored the moment "law and order" is put back in place. In order to maintain the level of "social security and stability" at home, I'm starting to review and set new KPIs for the munchkins. *Evil grin*