public temper tantrums

Twice in the last week I have had to remove my 3-year-old son from a public place because he was misbehaving. BOTH times my very first boyfriend from 8th grade was on the scene. Incidentally I haven't seen the guy in at least 5 years until last week when I was dragging said son from a restaurant and noticed 8th grade boyfriend in the next booth. Apparently he and my husband had a nice chat while I sat in the car wishing I had earplugs. Today the babysitter called because she was at the end of her rope with same son. I showed up to drag him away from the super-fun playground and adored babysitter. Guess who was standing right there watching my son scream his head off, refuse shoes, and writhe out of my grasp several times before I got him to the car? 8th grade boyfriend, of course. What do you suppose he was thinking? Thank goodness I didn't end up with her???

On the way home we pulled over when son threw a book at Mommy's head while driving. Once home, son tried to lock himself in the car (not knowing what punishment was coming, but figuring he didn't want to find out?). Mommy pulled kid out of car, then (like an idiot) set him down, expecting him to walk into the house.

Barefoot child running
on gravel

Mother sprints
Fit, wearing tennis shoes
Yelling is futile.

Reaches for collar of
Airplane shirt.
Misses.

In the street
So mad and so thankful.