Thursday, February 05, 2009

Tantrums are the "new black." Or at least, that's what my 3rd child told me.

Dear Kumon Center of North America,

I had my back turned for no more then thirty-three seconds before my mischievous toddler grew bored of her ponies and swiped the non-washable marker from the Russian boy's backpack. Your bathroom door is too heavy for even me to push it open for my eldest and my services were required. I. Turned. My. Back. On her.

It happens. Equipped with a marker she modeled what her older siblings were practicing, on paper, only she did so on your waiting room folding chairs behind my back. "One, two, free.... Mama. Wook. Wook, Mama. One, two, free..." I washed the chair until my knuckles were red and then took this picture with my phone. Notice the effort I put into washing the chair, when you compare the color of marker on her hand with the color of washed off marker on your folding chair:


So, in conclusion, I am very sorry for the noise that my wild banshee produced when I grabbed the marker away from her hand, after helping my son, and totally understand why you had to shut the door to the education room. I too am pretty tired of the head butting, leg kicking, arms threshing about every time I shout, "No."

And. I totally lied when I told you "it's nap time for her." In all honesty she just woke up from a nap and I had no excuses. Next week I will bring snacks to keep her busy. Are snack allowed in the Kumon waiting room?

Warmly,
OHmommy

83classy comments:

Anonymous said...

I love it when little kids say "wook" instead of look. It melts my heart - I have a hard time being mad at them after that! LOL

I'm pretty sure Kumon has seen worse than marker on the chair, too. Hopefully! hehehe

Laski said...

Oh, you are so not alone. Yesterday at a mom's group, J threw his biggest tantrum ever!

I was secretly impressed and privately mortified at the same time.

Then, he proceeded to turn my car alarm on and off. The residents told me it lasted for over an hour.

I had no idea he had my keys. OK. I did. I just had no idea my alarm would work from what seemed like a mile away.

OOPS.

And after all that he still got sips of mama's shake. I'm such a dictator.

Dennis and Leslie said...

hee hee, oops! so adorable though;)

Anonymous said...

that's mommy life for you.

Noob Mommy said...

Oh dear. I am a survivor of Kumon. Flesh and blood. I'm not sure if your kids will ever get over it you know? Although, it is a 1st or 2nd generation immigrant rite of passage.

Tyne said...

That is so great. My daughter took a sharpie to our entire bedroom set- pillows, shams, sheets, blankets, duvet, bedskirt. She kindly drew a picture of my face on my pillow and one of my husband on his pillow.

Val said...

When my 5 yr old was almost 2 he took a red sharpie marker to the baby gate at the top of the stairs, the carpet, walls, baseboards and himself. Mr. Clean Magic eraser got it all up. Even the carpet.

the mama bird diaries said...

oh my daughter just drew in permanent marker all over her cute, mod orange playtable. Damn.

ACH said...

My sister did Kumon for years, but I was never "allowed" to (my mother later told me it was because I didn't "need" to, but I still feel left out!)

MommyTime said...

Oh, the tantrums. I am so tired of them. And yet, they keep on coming. Personally, however, I understand them better (or sympathize with them more) when they come from the toddler than when they come in the form of prolonged preschooler whining. At least Fifi was being intelligent and creative with hers!

Chelsea said...

That brings back memories. Looks like my childhood. One time I painted my sister with white out. My mom called poison control.

One time my little brother found a marker in the car and drew all over my sisters face when we were driving to a friend's house. I'm sure there was some decorated furniture somewhere along the way, those are just the ones that stick out in my mind. :)

Gretchen said...

You are so nice to try to wash it all off!

You'll have to blog about budgeting sometime because I have to admit (please do take this nicely) that I cannot relate to some things you write about... because we sacrifice a lot to send our kids to private school. We can't afford cable TV, or vacations to mexico, or gymnastics or private tutoring. I know your husband is a dentist, so he is a wonderful provider, I'm sure. But I chuckled when you said, "I fired my housekeeper to pay the tuition for Kumon." Uh, the last housekeeper I had was when I was a teenager and my mom vacuumed my room.

I love reading your blog. You're so funny and fashionable. But I think maybe I'm just not in the same stratoshpere as you. I love reading about your kids - any mom can relate to another mother!

Hope that didn't sound bad! I'm gonna keep reading you.

Anonymous said...

So, was this staged? heehee. I'm just kidding! This is all I want you to know...markers aren't the end of the world! And your child isn't the first to do it. If you and I were in a mommy group together, I would understand!

Simply AnonyMom said...

So sorry she did that to the chair. Accidents happen and hopefully a company that deals with children understands that.

On the bright side: At least she did not swipe a black ink pen from the glass full on the endtable and write all over a microsuede couch at the furniture store. I'm just saying... ;)

Natalie said...

I'm sorry, I was totally distracted by the COTTON CANDY MY LITTLE PONY on the chair.

Why?

Because I own one.

*I* own one. With comb.

I totally revisited my childhood before KB toys liquidated and this picture brought it home.

And Kumon? Is that the learning programs? We have a couple of their workbooks and I really like them. I'm sure they are used to tantrums.

Ash said...

I have given up! My 3 year old colored her face with a red marker and her eyebrows with blue! She also got into my makeup case and decorated my wall with eyeliner! I think she is getting a little old for this.

Kari said...

I think you did a really great job getting the black marker out - impressive!

Scary Mommy said...

I totally use the "it's nap time" excuse every time the boys do anything unacceptable. It seems they ALWAYS need a nap!

Kristina said...

Ha ha, you should check out my 3 yr olds "art" on my blog...UGH!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

So does this mean I'm in style if I throw a tantrum? And really in style if I'm wearing black too?
She was just trying to express herself artistically anyway.....

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

It does seem like the word "NO" triggers little tantrums here too.....I am thinking it is the age!

Sarah just did this to my kitchen chair with a red crayon.....the chair was white.....I freaked out, but then realized they were washable.....

Those markers and crayone will get you everytime.....good luck next week:)

Kate Coveny Hood said...

Oh no! Poor OHmommy. I think you need to look into that second set of eyes for the back of your head - or maybe an OHmommy clone to help out.

WackyGrandma said...

I sooo do not miss those days.

Briya said...

Once my son drew a picture in his room with one of those HUGE sharpies on the window seat..It was of the party we'd had the night before.

I was impressed AND pissed. He SO knew better, but the picture was SO AWESOME.

Kari said...

Oh man! I feel your pain!!Charlotte is TOTALLY bringing tantrums back. Yesterday at Wal-Mart {it was her naptime, TRULY!} {AND, TRULY DUMB on my part} She threw the MOTHER of all tantrums in the cart. Think exorcist. I was so frustrated...then to make it worse, of course everyone is looking...AND on top of that, as she was screaming at the TIP TOP of her lungs on the way out, some woman said as she walked by...OH MY GOODNESS!!! {with that...MY KIDS NEVER DID THAT kind of tone in her voice.} Oh mercy...I wanted to tell her something, but I kept walking. So, I totally feel your pain. Wish I had gotten a picture of her though, but on second thought, that is something I wish to forget.

Christy said...

I'd never heard of Kumon before - am going to read up on that. And I just used that "it's her nap time" excuse/lie at the dr's office yesterday. Glad I'm not the only one!

Amy W said...

Consider yourself lucky: my mischievous toddler did the same thing, only on my brother in law's brand new leather dining room chair.

The horror. The horror. The horror....

I can still see the marks when I am at his house (7 years later!).

Stephanie said...

I am still amazed at how intense tantrums could be. I never could grasp it. It's nice to know I'm not the only one. I must remember to keep all markers hidden. Goodness!

And, I've been a religious user of the photo editing site since your first post on it months and months ago!

jayna said...

Toddlers and markers just seem to have this magnetic attraction. My MIL thought it would be fine for mine to play with a Sharpie during church. Needless to say, Sharpie does not come off of church pews.

Anonymous said...

I read your article. And I am curious....tell me why you put the kids there?(this isn't judgey at all. Promise.)

Fill me in.

Miss Lisa said...

I have my own little artist. Sadly I am not as good of person as you. I would have just moved chairs and acted like those marks were always there ;)

amanda said...

he he he... love it. i'm not looking forward to any of my kiddos doing that. i like the 'must be nap time' comment. i'm sure they'll appreciate your letter. lol.

SCREAMING FOR CHOCOLATE said...

Get down on your knees and be thankful that it wasn't your sofa...And if they can't understand that children have tantrums then they need to get a clue.

Coco

Amy said...

Tantrums will always be in style ;-)Thank God leggings won't.

Tiffany @ Lattes And Life said...

Been there! My son took a ballpoint pen to a cushioned folding chair. After 2.2 seconds it became polka dotted with little holes. Lovely.

Everyday Goddess said...

Wouldn't it have been easier to blame it on the Russian boy?

Jessica said...

#2 sucked the ink out of our "dot-dot" paint markers....turned and looked at me with purple drool as if she had done nothing....make you feel better?

Aimee said...

Oh and she was so proud of her work! Wook!

Lynette3boys said...

Looks like she was adding her touch of decorating to the place (which I am sure probably needed it). I too hate when any of my boys throw public tantrums - especially in the grocery store - those are the worst.

BTW - I tagged you for a purse meme - hope that sparks your interest.
http://thebestthingsinlifeare3.blogspot.com/2009/02/purse-is-boss.html

Qweenie said...

That's just fabulous! *sarcasm*

I remember those days, I don't miss them one bit! At least this is your last right?

Denise said...

Many years ago, my sister wrote "I love Gary" on the fabric of the car seat when it is folded towards the front seat. So the only time it was visible was when someone was getting into the backseat. I always thoguht that was very creative. You know how important those first boyfriends are in first grade, or was it kindergarten.

Amy - playhereoften.com said...

I am sure you were far more mortified then anyone else. We have all been there.

I ,too, would be interested in hearing more about Kumon. Has it changed your son's desire to learn. My almost five year old doesn't like to learn new things.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

She must have thought the chair needed a touch of Fifi class! And, no, you are not alone in the tantrum department. My first's favorite place to tantrum is the doctor's office! Oh fun!

And, you did a fab job cleaning. I'm pretty sure that's not the first time that their chairs have been drawn on.

Melissa ♥ Spoiled Mommy said...

Ahhhh-one has got to love the nice public temper tantrum meltdown!
My daughter has a scream that can KILL! I plan on catching it one day on video to share with everyone. lol

jen said...

totally their fault for not having darker colored chairs for that very reason.
my favorite type of tantrum? when they throw their whole body to the floor in a crumbling heap sobbing. and then, as you try to pick them up, they turn into a wet rag and slide out of your arms.

tiarastantrums said...

HA HA - Kumon waiting room is OFF limits to us - seriously - I have been waiting in the car FOR OVER 2 YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blessings From Above said...

I hear your pain! Kyle throws himself on the floor the second we take something away from him. And don't even get me started on coloring everywhere with crayons, pens, etc. In the last week alone I have washed crayons off of walls, tables and hardwood floors.

3 Peanuts said...

Oh I am SO relieved to read this ! Kate is my HUGE tantrum thrower (my boys did not do this!) It is so embarrassing. Most of Kate's tantrum are over clothes---she will ONLY wear dresses and NO tights. Or snacks...she wants them ALL the time! Oh to be two! I feel for ya Oh Mommy!

Kim

Unknown said...

What you don't carry a magic eraser around with you where ever you go? :) My 4 yr old did it to our leather furniture...the magic eraser *did* get it off, but the texture of the leather is different in that area of the couch. I despise those markers.

Diva's Thoughts said...

Oh my! LOL You can't turn your back for ONE second! lol

Too funny.

GypsiAdventure said...

No honey, you are not alone...we ALL have it at some point in time. Just yesterday I took the girls to eat after school - our favorite place Chili's and little miss was loud, crushed chips and put them on the floor, repeatedly screamed when I told her no she could not stand up in the highchair...boy was I glad to go after we had eaten. Oh well, life goes on!
~K

Unknown said...

I love your nap line! have used it myself on occassion. happens to everyone though, why do we need to justify?

Tami said...

Everyone is always worried about the Terrible Twos, I found that the Threes are really the trying times! Love that she used her artistic talent though :)

And I also swear by that Mr Clean Magic eraser, it took the permenant marker off my kitchen table during the three years for me!

Maggie May said...

good mommy.

Robin said...

Your post before this proves Lola is related to you, but I am afraid this post might mean Fifi is related to me. (I am sorry.) I was the challenging youngest child.

Jessica said...

I love your little note on the picture...you're too funny!

Unknown said...

Having no children of my own, I can't "totally relate." However, when my baby brother would throw a fit I'd start throwing it with him until he was laughing so hard he simply couldn't kick and scream anymore. And you know what. Those are some of my favorite moments with him. Watching him fight the smile until he couldn't any longer.

Anonymous said...

oh my goodness, i would have died! kids are so cute though, you can't help but love them no matter what!

Mom said...

you broke the sanctity of the kumons education room you terrible ohmommy you! LOL

Swirl Girl said...

My 9 year old just graffiti(ed) the garage floor. And she know waaaay better than that! Maybe she borrowed your little one's Sharpie!

Pick Me!! Pick Me!

Sarahviz said...

Yep, ply her with snacks next time! It'll keep her hands busy!

lislynn said...

My little dearie took a permanent marker to my living room upholstery and hardwood floor. A bright blue one. I feel your pain.

Ronda's Rants said...

Good times! I remember them well!

Piece o' Coconut Cake said...

Mine had a thing for stickers...

Michele said...

Peanut does not tantrum too often but she is destructive. She has ripped so many books I cannot even count, she has eaten markers (thank God they non-toxic), she has painted, colored and markered on her high chair. She has broken so many things I have lost count. I guess she is making up for not throwing tantrums much, no? My Pookie though could win the trophy for tantrums she starting throwing them before age one. When I was pregnant with Peanut, she threw one at Parisian and I had to carry her out and almost sit on her to get her in the car seat. She was screaming, kicking, throwing arms every where and it was horrible. She has grown out of it but on a rare occasion can pull a tantrum out of her hat. She is almost 7.

JuneBug said...

oh markers. world's best (when you need some occupied time) invention, and worst (when they find the extra double thick sharpie to the wall) invention!

Avonlea said...

How about this? When we were on vacation with my mom and dad along, my mom would watch our little guy for us. My mom sat there and watched him color all over the coffee table of the vacation rental (and my glasses case). I came into the room and was like, WTF? Why didn't you stop him? Thankfully, the marks wiped off.

said...

Well, at least there was no biting involved. ;o)

Lynn C Mama to 3 said...

If you get away with sharpie on a chair as the most destructive thing your baby ever does... you are a seriously good parent. I, however, am not. So just let Kumon know that they should be grateful for you and not me!!!

MIT Mommy said...

Oh, golly, mine NEVER throw tantrums.

Zoeyjane said...

I'm pretty sure this is my exact reason for never letting Isobel have anything. Or at least permanent markers. That and hearing about Mr Lady's then-new sofa, like two days after she got it.

Damn tantrums. I have them sometimes, myself. ;)

Katie said...

I'm right there with you. My 2 1/2year old has the same reaction to "no".

Alicia said...

My 3 year old likes to color on his older brother's homework! At least his teacher has young kids.

Michelle said...

Hehehe!!! I'm sorry, but I have to laugh! NOT AT YOU, but WITH YOU, because I've totally been there! I think every momma has!

Skiplovey said...

Oh yes the "in need of nap", I think I say that about three times a day even though he only takes one these days.
But hey, where were the eyes in back of you head? ; )

TMCPhoto said...

Tantrums are my favourite and my best!

I love the kicking, the screaming and the wail of the moment on repeat. I can't begin to tell you how relaxed and refreshed I feel once the adrenaline starts rushing through the central nervous system.

Honestly it's like a mini vacation

As for the marker on the chair, I'd think that if you use folding chairs in your waiting room that you're kind of expecting to have some sort of marker action aimed at them

C and C Mommy said...

My 2 almost 3 year old child says "free" and "wook." It melts my heart!!

Claremont First Ward said...

ha ha ha. I tried the nap thing with my 9 year old recently. They didn't buy it. (Totally kidding.....I use that excuse with my twins. all. the time. Even though they've given up their naps.)

r.a.w. chronicles said...

Yikes! I'm sure it could have been FAR worse. At least you were only turned around for a SECOND!!

Jaina said...

Looks like you did a pretty darn good job. All they need is a little bit of nail polish remover and it'll be good as new.

Susan said...

I know that feeling. We mommies have one tough job!

CC said...

Not only is she not the only trantrummer, but on the exact day that you published this post, I published this one!!!

Jill said...

My youngest tends to color just about anything when my back is turned... marble floors at a friend's house on a playdate (in her defense - they were laying around... though they weren't washable ones -

Insert side note here - what mom doesn't have all washable crayola (or other brand) markers, crayons, paints, pencils these days?

So i guess i shouldn't have been all that surprised when she colored her vagina in bright green - front to back. i have never laughed so hard as i did... and of course, took photos to "send to the doctor".

My mom's comment - "she must have had a really sore neck after that coloring spree".

 

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