It takes a special and exceedingly wise breed of parent to ignore a temper tantrum like this and instead retrieve the camera and document the moment for posterity.
My wife is that kind of parent. She gets it.
I have a great deal of parenting advice to offer. Most people think that I am full of bluster and hubris. You probably do, too.
But I believe that my 16 years of teaching experience, combined with my experience raising a former stepdaughter to age 16 and my two own children, has given me wisdom that would prove valuable to anyone willing to listen.
Few admittedly do.
A colleague recently suggested to a parent that she ask me for advice on a child-rearing issue. The person laughed. So did two other people at the table. The notion that I could have anything useful to offer was ludicrous in their minds.
Regardless, this photo of Charlie’s tantrum reminded me of my best piece of parenting advice that I have to offer:
Don’t become emotionally attached to your child’s poor decision-making, regardless of their age. If your two-year-old son is having a tantrum because he isn’t getting what he wants, that’s his deal. You can help him process his emotions and calm down, but his tantrum should not affect you emotionally.
It’s not about you.
Instead, ignore the tantrum and take a photo. Capture the moment for future blackmail.
