Another one of my travails with my 1.9 year old reads as follows-

My older one was participating in an Inter-school Karate Tournament which was being held at another suburb (which means it was a good half hour drive, without traffic!).  Hubby dearest dropped us and had to attend an important meeting, so I was left to handle both kids.  Changing the older one into the Karate outfit while trying to keep the younger one away from mischief using just the sheer power of my vocal chords. 

Once she was with her friends and instructors, I was “free” to run after my little brat, trying to stop him from dunking his hands into the fish tanks in the lobby or trying to run into the competition arena.  Try explaining why he should not enter a particular area that is cordoned off to a two-year old and you will know.  The immediate reaction is a temper tantrum (throwing himself on the ground in protest, have you heard of “satyagraha”???)I try to pick him up so as not to create a scene and wallow in the pitiful eyes of other mothers (all mothers of only one each) about my inability in handling the kid! Cursing myself all the while for letting my hubby go for the meeting!!! As soon as hubby dearest arrives, I hand over our “bundle” of joy to him.  I try to concentrate on my older ones’ antics and try to tell her to focus on the competition and see the other kids’ performances and take cues from it.But alas, does an 8 year old care for observation? She is busy discussing Barbie dolls and plaiting each others hair with her friends.

Once in the arena, my daughter did manage to bring home a silver medal! My reward for the juggling and patience testing 3 hours )