Plays Well With Others?

Today was a good day because we had several lovely guests. Today, however, was also one of Aidan's worst in terms of behavior. Maybe not the WORST day ever, but definitely among the top three. As usual, we can account for some of his meltdowns because

1) he tends to get over-excited when we have guests
2) lately he does not sleep during nap time
3) he is almost three years old

Today, I had to CHOOSE to love my son. I am appalled by his frequently aggressive and mean spirited nature at home. He hits, spits, bites, kicks, head butts and talks back to everyone at home. There is no one he seems to respect in our household. Time outs (in his bed room, in the laundry room, in the corner, on the steps) are just a game for him. Spanking rarely phases him. Taking away privileges is probably most successful, but does not give his victims any immediate relief from his assaults. Right now, I am most angry about him refusing to say "I'm sorry for [offense here]." I'm realistic. I don't expect him to feel remorse at this age. But I do want him to learn to try and make good after he does something mean. Say "I'm sorry baby brother for shoving your face in floor and stepping on your hands." Now give your cringing baby brother a GENTLE hug and kiss. Lately, though, he refuses to say "I'm sorry." I suppose that he has enough integrity to know that it would be a baldface lie. Well, he is three. That is supposed to explain everything. The only cure for it is turning four.

Now that I have spouted off hateful things about my sweet-faced baby, I would like to list all the wonderful things that he does so well that I should be ashamed at having to ever CHOOSE to love him at times.

1) He eats a lot of a wide variety of foods. He ate celery today! He used to call celery "yuckies". I was thrilled.
2) While eating, he is fairly well mannered. He uses a fork or spoon. He likes clean hands and a face.
3) He knows how to say "Please may I have [desired object]" and "Thank you!" He can say these things without prompting.
4) He is potty trained.
5) He sleeps in his own big boy bed all night long and never asks to sleep with us.
6) Despite an irresistable smack in the face now and then, he actually truly loves his baby brother.
7) At school, his teachers think that he is well-behaved. I pray that he continues to be that way.
8) He is an excellent singer.
9) He is not too shy. He will say "Hello Mr. {whoever]."

Okay. I guess that this is starting to look like bragging. Sometimes I wish that he was only ever good, but then I would worry that he is weird.