Or worse...

Boy, motherhood is emotional. Am I the only mom in the world who feels ALL the feels ALL the time? 

Last night I put HW to bed with no dinner. 

We have very few hard-and-fast rules in our house.
1. Sleep in your own bed
2. Use your words
3. You get what you get

The first is easy since they've never known any different. When we switched each of the big kids to toddler beds we spent a couple of nights carrying them back to their beds over and over and sitting with them for a minute, but it passes quickly and we never really have to address it again. So far so good.

The second is one we're still working on. Little E would still rather scream a high-pitched scream and throw herself on the floor than tell me what's wrong, and HW still thinks the quickest way to get a toy you want is the ole' hit-and-run. I'm in no hurry for Porky to use her words, in case anyone is wondering. 

Rule three came up last night. Dear son has diet restrictions from allergies, and being picky would really limit his options. I've struggled with this one, just so you know. 

"You have five minutes to try it, or go to bed."

"I don't wanna." (kicks the cabinet under the island)

"Please, bud. Just give it a chance. You love it, remember? You ate it all last time."

"I don't wanna." (drops spoon on the counter and crosses arms)

"I don't have anything else you can have. I'm not cooking another meal. Don't you want dessert? C'mon, please?" 

"I don't wanna. It's nasty." (Gives me a look that says "Whatcha gonna do now?" dripping with attitude)

"FINE! GO!"

He stomps down the hallway and into bed and I'm left thinking "What a little shit."

Two minutes later, I'm thinking "I hate that he's hungry, I should fix him something"

Two minutes later, "No, he knows the deal. He chose."

Two minutes later, "He must be so tired from school. It's not his fault he's grumpy. I shouldn't yell."

Two mintues later, "I'M tired. I'M grumpy."

Two minutes later, "Why does he act like this? What am I doing wrong? Am I too strict? Am I too lenient? What am I doing wrong? Is this forever?"

Am I the only parent out there doubting every single decision I make, wondering if I'm causing my kid to grow up to be a serial killer, or worse, an asshole?