Pam Hartley

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>From: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 3028
>Date: Thu, Feb 13, 2003, 4:16 PM
>

> Thank you Sandra for your kind and wonderful advice. I will definitely stop
> throwing temper tantrums around here.. Gosh, I've broken 5 sewing machines, 3
> microwaves, and 3 mixers in just the past 6 months.. I also wrecked my car
> and punched out my window. I attacked my husband and tried to choke him,
> then I kicked him in the groin last night. I yelled at my kids and called
> them no-good fuckers and said they were worthless and they ruined my life. .
> Just a few days ago the bread I was making didnt turn out right so I trashed
> the whole god damned oven. Do you think, when I couldnt get my on loan lap
> top from school to come on and I smashed it to the floor and stomped on it,
> could that have been a bad example? You know, I never realized how my
> behavior could affect my kids . What an insight.. So, do you think, if I
> stop behaving like this, my sons will stop too?? Maybe its worth a try.
> You know, I really thought you didnt like me, how paranoid of me.. I really
> need to work on not being so schizo and afraid that folks are against me.
>
> If it works in Doddville, it MUST work here too.. Thanks again


I'm aware this was all sarcastic, but in awhile when you're calm, think
about the fact that the above is indeed the adult version of a temper
tantrum, thrown here on the list, in response to frustration over an issue
that you are having a hard time dealing with.

Sandra's point is illustrated: how you react is how your children are likely
to react. They just do it on a 7 and 11 year old level rather than a grown
woman level, as in the above.

Pam