Parenthood

So, last night I did one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I said no to one of my children, and I didn't back down.  Emily (like there was any doubt who it was) was being a little goober head.  It culminated in her tearing apart an art project that Robbie had made at preschool in a fit of 4 year old rage.  We were about to leave to take cookies to the missionaries, and instead Emily got to stay home with Mom.  She cried for about 15 minutes, begging to go even long after the boys were gone.  At one point she was just sobbing "Please Mommy, please" like her little heart was breaking.  And that kind of broke my heart too.  See, as much as I wanted to give in and put her in Jon's car without the carseat and drive off to find the boys, I knew I couldn't.  She needed to learn her lesson.  Why is it so hard to be a parent?  I finally got her calmed down, and we made Robbie a picture to help make up for the one Emily ruined and she was okay by the time the boys got back.  I know we did the right thing, and hopefully Emily learned something, but phew, it was emotionally exhausting.  I guess that's the hard part about being a parent.  It's made up for with all the hugs and kisses and wonderful things that my kids do to brighten my day and make me glad that they are part of my family.  Thank heavens for that part!