"I hate you, mommy!"

Yesterday was the first time I've ever heard those words.

They came from Megan.

She's in grade 1 and is having a hard time. She loves her teacher, and her teacher is wonderful. But, there's something else that is bothering her because her behaviour is absolutely horrendous. She's soooo tired, which is normal for September. And she's finding a problem with everything.
We're not quite sure whether to smother her with love and affection or whether to take a stricter stand and be more firm. We kind of chose to go the love route so we'll see if it works.

On this fateful day, she didn't want to wear white. Fine, I said. Pick another sweater. But that was a problem too and everything resulted in tears.

I kept her home one day last week to rest up. She needed it badly. She had a great day and was very happy. Then, the next day it was back to tears, drama, tantrums, slamming doors, and such. And..."I hate you mommy! I really really hate you." And a minute later, "and dadddy too! I really hate daddy too!". (Well, I'm kinda glad it wasn't just me).
She knows, of course, that we love her no matter what. But it still evoked a lot of emotion within me. I think it would in any parent.

Let's hope it's just an adjustment period to school and that October will bring a bit more happiness for my girl.