Challenging Day

Mikayla has always been strong willed.  Usually this just pops up at home but I think we had the worst 'public fit' that I have ever seen.  We went to the library and I think the first mistake I made was not taking the stroller.  Mikayla was looking for movies and she could not find any Barbie movies.  So, she started getting a little upset.  Then, she really wanted a movie but couldn't find anything that she didn't already have (could you say she has too many movies?)    So, she's taking forever to do that.  Meanwhile, Josh is getting real antsy which is making me a little nervous because I don't want him to have a fit.  

Then, she asked to have a book.  She was finding one and then on the way out she decided he wanted to go back and get another one.  Meanwhile, I have a very squirmy toddler I'm trying to contain.  She ran away from me and then started talking back.  I finally got my hands on her and we were sitting in the corner where she is getting very upset and I've told her she has to behave and she can't check a movie out because she mis-behaved.  She then freaked out.  I did my best to get her to a restroom where I could lock the door and hopefully get her quieted down because I don't think screaming would be looked to kindly at the library.   Well, all h*&^ broke out at the point.  She was screaming and I kept telling her if she didn't calm down she wouldn't get a book, then a movie, then to ride her bike.  I stayed very calm because I knew people could hear us on the other side of the door and I'm sure her voice was traveling.  I was freaking out and was expecting any minute that someone would knock on the door to make sure she wasn't being abused.  It sure sounded like it--the way she was screaming--'you can't do this to me, I won't go with you, etc'  I finally got out of there but I could feel the stares as we left.

By the time we left, I was exhausted from holding my temper.  Then, I had to be punished because I didn't let her watch tv or play outside the rest of the day.  I kept hearing that wasn't fair.  

This behavior is just not appropriate for an almost 5 year old.  Joshie, I would understand but not her.  UGH!