As a mom, I’ve learned one major thing: The only constant is change. When we were
in the infant stage, I was on a never-ending quest for a routine. But as soon as I got a
glimmer of predictability in terms of a schedule, it would change again. Now that my
son is almost 5, my life is dictated by phases. There was the clingy phase, the I-want-
Daddy-to-do-everything phase, and now (unfortunately) we’re in the I’m-going-to-
fake-cry-and-stomp-my-feet-whenever-I-don’t-get-my-way phase.

And guess what? I’ve had it. I’m sick of pleading and I’m sick of yelling (at everyone),
so last week I made a new rule. I told my son that if he continues to behave like this,
I’m going to start taking away his toys. I’m not one to threaten without following
through, so I did indeed take away the iPad after a hot dog-induced fit at Costco.
(And I didn’t get the hot dog either.) While friends suggested making a chart to
reward good behavior, I’m actually having success with the take-away approach, so
I’m sticking with it.

The good news is, I know this is just another phase, and before I know it, we’ll be on
to another. Or maybe that’s bad news... Regardless, as moms, we have to do what
works for us.

So what unpleasant phase is your kid in, and how are you dealing with it?