Olivia is two years old, and I have to admit that we really haven’t experienced the so-called “terrible two’s.” I must be blessed, because Olivia is generally easy going, sweet, and she listens well.
However once in awhile she doesn’t really want to wake up. It’s my job to wake her up every day, and on the days when she’s still tired and doesn’t want to get up, watch out!
Here Comes the Temper Tantrum
When the temper tantrum comes on, she’ll scream “NO!” to everything you say. She’ll sob and cry so hard almost to the point of hyper-ventilating.
Shan and I don’t wake up and give ourselves a lot of extra time in the mornings. We all enjoy our sleep, and try to get as much as possible. So when Olivia is having a tantrum and not cooperating, it’s hard to get to get going on time and not be late for work.
Well this past week, I got Olivia up, and she was really tired. You guessed it… she began having a tantrum.
God bless her for trying, but my wife tries to talk to Olivia and give her good choices. It doesn’t matter. If you asked Olivia if she wanted to go swimming after eating a big bowl of candy while watching Dora the Explorer on TV (all things she loves by the way), she’ll still scream “NO!”
Super Dad to the Rescue
So this time I decided to do the Dad thing and nip this in the bud. I grabbed Olivia and took her to the couch in the living room. I held her closely so that she couldn’t flail her arms and legs, and tried to hush her.
Of course this REALLY annoyed her, and she started to scream at me to let her go.
They say that music calms the savage beast, right? Olivia was definitely acting like one at that moment, so I tried singing to her.
It didn’t help.
Finally I cried out in prayer, “Father, please calm down this child. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Within a few seconds, she stopped screaming and struggling. I asked her if she wanted to go to Mommy, and she said yes. She then ran and gave Shan a big hug, and started smiling and was pleasant and cooperative the rest of the morning. (And we got to work on time!)
What Did I Learn?
- I learned that even the best kids have their moments.
- I learned that as a Dad, I have the ability to not only discipline, but also help calm down my child.
- I also learned that prayer works.
Tags: Discipline, Olivia, Prayer, Shan, Temper Tantrum
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