When Emily (now 21 years old) was a toddler, I had to harness her when we went out in public. Yep, a kid leash. I was that mother.
It’s because Emily was strong-willed spirited. She was hyper energetic. At just two years old, Emily was a handful.
I will never forget the day I finally realized that I needed to harness Emily. I had taken Will III (who was 5 at the time) and Emily to the mall. We were in Dillard’s. Both kids were right at my side. I was looking at a rounder full of clearance clothing. In an instant, I looked down and Emily was gone. Will III was still standing beside me but Emily was gone.
Immediately, I called out for Emily. Will called for her. I started sweating ~ my heart racing. I grabbed Will’s hand. We darted here and there ~ all the while keeping close proximity to our original location. Nothing. No Emily.
After several frantic minutes (that’s a lifetime with a missing toddler), I found Emily quietly ‘hiding’ in the center of the rounder next to me. When I went to pull her out, she darted away from me for a quick game of chase. When I finally caught up to her, she threw herself on the ground crying. Both Will and I did our best to coax her off the floor and out the door before security arrived.
This wasn’t Emily’s first time to go missing. Nor was it the first time I had to chase her down frantic in a public place. But I determined it was the last. It was just too stressful and it was impacting our relationship. Emily needed better boundaries ~ so I bought a harness.
Well, the good news is … Emily outgrew her need for a harness in just months. And she turned into a lovely, delightful young woman that never hides in rounders when we go to Dillard’s together. Our relationship is fabulous.
The not so good news for me is … I found that I need a harness with food. Since hitting my personal high ~ I’ve uncovered a truth about myself: I am in need of better boundaries to keep me in line. And I have willing and gladly submitted myself to a plan Tatum and I hatched up.
Now, the extra good news is that if things work out the way we’d like ~ we’ll be sharing this information with you! But for now, would you let me know?
What is your ‘inner two year old’~ kind of out of control? Food, exercise, or otherwise?
Just started a diet? Frustrated? Don’t give up!!
Diet Tip #1: Half-zies
Susie, I have an Emily, too, who has done the exact same things. She is now 6, but she has always been a handful. I never harnessed her, probably should have. I would have a few less wrinkles in my forehead. ;)
Girl! I am at my highest, too! I weigh more now than I did with any of my pregnancies! How depressing! I’m anxiously awaiting your new e-book. Right now, I’m trying to count my calories and exercise, but I have such a weakness for sweets and carbs, it’s ridiculous! My goal is too lose some kind of poundage the month to start the new year off right. Let’s hope a Christmas roll does not cross my path! Lol!
Great job on your weight loss, Susie!
I must admit that I am a sugar-a-holic just like Diahn. There I’ve said it…is there a 12-step program I can follow? I too have reached an all time high…ugh! Do you and Tatum need another partner to join you?
No sugar week, ugh! I discovered my sugar addiction a couple years ago and I’m still on that XXX Rollercoaster. I have to confess my emotional attachment to a freezer-cold, full-on, regular Coke at around 2:00 PM, everyday!
My heart went to my throat! I know what it feels like to look down and a child is missing! Luckily he was standing behind me. The reason why Emily turned out the way she did, is because of loving, caring, and wonderful parents like you and Will. God bless you, both.
I would have to say chocolate and peanut butter, would be my weakness. I can never turned down a Reese cup. By the way, that is where my youngest son got his middle name, Reece!
:)
Thanks, Dee!
McDonald’s McFlurries, but only the “seasonal flavors” such as Rollo (which just left until next year) and Reese’s (which just showed up for a while). My goodness…I just can’t say “no”!! M&M McFlurry, Oreo McFlurry, or any other kind of ice cream…no problem. But Reeses or Rollo?? Get out of my way…
Oh my goodness, I totally remember doing that when I was a kid! Those clothing racks were the perfect hiding place!!! My poor mother.
I think my inner two year old involves chocolate… I can pass up cookies and cupcakes all day long, but put chocolate in front of me and I am a two year old with no self control. Hence the reason I do not have it in the house very often! When I do, it does not last long.
Good luck with no sugar this week Susie!