[email protected]

" When we go through these phases, it is hard to enjoy
> being around her. I feel like an awful parent..."

Ah no....I understand. They're totally exhausting to be around. When Jalen (3) falls asleep, I start to breathe deeper automatically. It's like I can finally relax.
The advantage I have with him, is he still breastfeeds. I can't say enough good things about long-term breastfeeding, especially with a challenging child. It keeps those warm feelings available more often.

I remove Jalen from the room a lot right now. I don't think anyone else should have to put up with being hurt, or having their peace disturbed constantly...so I take him with me and we sit together in my room. I offered some books the other day, but he was pissed that he'd been removed from the rest of the kids and threw them across the room stating very clearly "ME NO WANT BOOKS!"
Sigh...ya just keep trying.
Last night, he was having leg pains. Those nights are really stressful for me, because there's not much I can do and he screams really loud. Rubbing them upsets him more, so I usually wrap them with Ace bandages and try to nurse him (he nurses, then screams, nurses a bit more, then screams and so on).
He finally settled in for a deep sleep somewhere in the middle of the night...the Chammomila may have helped.

Anyhow, I do belive in setting boundaries, not allowing others to be harmed by these explosive children (as much as possible) and removal from a setting may be an effective tool. But it takes a lot of patience, nurturing and deep breathing. Just know, you aren't alone.

Ren


Learn about unschooling at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/unschoolingbasics/