Following some stressful couple of days, I wanted a break so decided to eat dinner out.
I had nagging doubts because my kid was crying a lot (meltdown) yesterday evening and I was concerned that it may not be a right timing to eat dinner outside. Finally still decided to go, if things went downhill, I can pack up and come out anyway. I called ahead and asked them to prepare since I did not want my toddler to wait for the meal. They agreed to prepare and keep it ready – they were really great. The restaurant I went to was an vegetarian restaurant which has great ambience and played lovely melodies. Since it was early hours, there were not much folks so another plus for me in case things don’t turn out well.
We went in, washed hands and started having dinner (it was already on the table:)) . Thanks to the melodies – they were really awesome ones, I found myself relaxing and the knots on my head, muscles and rest of the body slowly disappeared. I looked down on next to me and could see that my kid was also enjoying the music – making tiny wiggles and smiling – and eating.
I kind of felt as if my kid was having stressful time as well and this was relaxing to my kid also because there was not a drop of tear or any signs of meltdown. Just those tiny wiggles and smiles.
Thankfully I made right choice this time and luckily it worked out beautifully for both of us. End of the day we were both relaxed and smiling and giggling and listening to songs as we headed back. And today morning was more relaxed as well.
If I had avoided going out assuming it will be a disaster, I am sure we would have had another stressful evening since we were already on a bad streak.
The reason I am sharing this is, yes handling kids meltdown is hard work, but sometimes, they go through stress like us and they need chance to relax, need extra hugs and snuggles from us . They are tiny humans. So given them a chance too and enjoy your life.
Lovely music always comes to the rescue!
PS:
- We don’t always have perfect restaurant or outing experience, but the lesson I have learnt is – to not avoid going out with my kid due to the fear of negative results. Take the risk and go out, if it turns out bad – let us keep it real, it does sometimes – , come back and try again. the lessons on how to handle situations come from experience – for both the parties.
- Nope, not a perfect mom, just some thoughts from one human mom to another.
- self feeding did help here, otherwise kid would be bored while eating from my hand and may trying playing.
- Sometimes our stress passes on to our kids and causes more meltdowns, so give yourself a break to relax and re-energize (with or without the kid).