“Well, That Escalated Quickly”

Sometimes being a parent feels like this. Imagine that you are sitting really close to the greatest fireworks display you have ever seen. You are really enjoying the show and feeling awesome. Then, one little firework tips over and shoots sideways. It hits a larger one which then proceeds to rapidly take out all of the others. The fireworks are now exploding randomly and shooting towards you! All you can think about is running.

The speed at which good times can go bad drives me bonkers, and sometimes I just want to run and hide. It happened to us just yesterday when we were having a great time sledding in the new snow. Our daughter freaked out for 30 minutes because she just couldn’t handle the thought of being finished for the day.

Many times this can be avoided by a good selling of something they can look forward to next, like hot chocolate or coming in to play with some new Christmas toys. But sometimes, it’s just too late. The tears, foot stomping and rolling on the ground while screaming has already begun.

The extended crying session and pouting doesn’t really bother me. I just let them cry it out, and I have no problems going about my business while they get over whatever it is that set them off. If I have said all that needs to be said, it’s just a matter of them cooling themselves down. I realize they are learning and developing their emotions and it just takes time and experiences like these.

For me, the worst type of noise is the sudden high pitched shriek sound that pierces my brain while it shoots around in my head. It can be brought on by my child’s happiness or frustration, but it does not matter. It kills me either way! It usually happens when I am in the middle of something like paying bills or focused on dinner. My back is turned and just when I think everyone is happy and getting along great, the startling shriek just about gives me a heart attack.

This noise is much more than just a mental or emotional test for me. It is physical and it can take me to a very dark place. I have been able to deal with a lot of things, but this one has been rough. The only solution I have come up with is earplugs. I can still hear with them in and can carry on a conversation, but they do help to block out the damaging high pitched frequencies. I keep mine on a string and I hardly prepare dinner without them.

Most of the time I feel like a spectator at a fireworks show that ends well. I watch in amazement as my children grow and their personalities blossom. There are so many moments that define what love is, and I am filled with pride that makes everything else seem insignificant. It is the best feeling in the world.

By Brian Wilson

Brian is the father of three children. He teaches golf and coordinates a Zurich Dads’ group in his spare time. Email: bwilsoniag@gmail.com

Illustration by Lara Friedrich

Lara has been a freelance illustrator for Mothering Matters since early 2013. She is a demo singer for the songwriter Kate Northrop and has also written an article for the newspaper March Anzeiger. Lara is bilingual in English and German with a Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English. She is in her first year at University.