Skip to Main Content
Women of the ELCA
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Daily Grace
  • Contact
  • Ministry & Action
    • Discipleship
    • Justice
      • Human Trafficking
      • Racial Justice Advocacy
      • Racial Justice Advocacy Network resources
      • Domestic Violence
    • Membership
    • Stewardship
      • Thankofferings
      • Faithful Friends
      • Katie’s Fund
      • Gift Planning
    • Special Initiatives
      • Raising Up Healthy Women & Girls
      • Dear Friend in Christ
    • Scholarships
      • Lutheran laywomen
      • Lutheran Ordained Ministry
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Events
  • About
    • History
    • Executive Board
    • Staff
    • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Daily Grace
  • Contact
« Back to WELCA Blog

Tantrums–who’s throwing them?
by Valora Starr

6.21.2012
|
Post
photo courtesy of mdanys via Flickr

photo courtesy of mdanys via FlickrThe other day I was going through those airport aerobics called “security.” The stress level was at “red” when a family of four— a mom, dad and 2 kids maybe 4 and 7—entered the area.

Mason was next up to pass through the security machine. Mommy argued with TSA agents, saying Mason had to carry his car collection because “they are important to him.” As I’m thinking “it’s a bunch of matchbox cars, lady,” Mason chirps up “mom I’ll just put it on the belt.” Then there was more explanation from Mommy regarding Maggie’s stuffed something she was holding.

Great! Now we’re on the same flight. Boarding was full of drama. The beverage service was painful to watch, with Mommy stressing how important it was that Mason gets his first choice of beverages. Turns out, for Mason orange juice instead of cranberry juice was just fine.

The flight attendant was patient as Mommy explained why Maggie was laying in the aisle … in front of the beverage cart in a screaming heap! My seat mate mumbled something about unruly children.

Were the children to blame here? It was clear Mommy’s tantrums were the fuel in this foursome. Why was Dad silent? Why was Mommy running interference instead of following the rules? What were the kids thinking and learning? What were the rest of us learning?

Parenting is still the hardest job on earth. Children are mesmerizing love muffins just ready to embrace and explore the world, and I do believe it takes a village to raise them. But sometimes, maybe the village needs a time out.

Auntie Valora K Starr is director for discipleship.

Share
No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Categories

  • Post (1,261)
  • News (295)
    • Gathering 2021 (9)
    • Triennial Convention 2021 (7)
  • Devotions (76)
  • 2122 (3)
  • Uncategorized (2)
Women of the ELCA
6h
Women of the ELCA
@WomenoftheELCA

What's your story? #WomensHistoryMonth womenoftheelca.org/blog/post/…

Expand reply reply retweet retweet favorite favorite
Back to home

8765 W. Higgins Rd.

Chicago IL 60631

800-638-3522

[email protected]

Stay In Touch

Sign up for the WELCA Newsletter

Explore WELCA
  • Ministry & Action
  • Daily Grace
  • Resource Library
  • Events
  • Blog
  • News
  • About WELCA
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Photos
Explore Publications

Bold Cafe

A Lutheran perspective for women of Christian faith or any woman who is interested in how faith relates to the issues facing women today.

Gather Magazine

A mix of articles, theological reflections, devotions and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith.

Cafe Podcast

Subscribe to our podcast:

Click to subscribe

© Copyright 2023 Women of the ELCA. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
© Copyright 2023 Women of the ELCA. All Rights Reserved.