Fun Times in the Fresh Air.....Not

Have you ever seen the screaming kid in public with the mom who acts like she can't hear or see what is going on?  Yep, that was me.

Yesterday we took the whole family out for a walk.  2 parents, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1 stroller (well, the stroller isn't a member of the family, but should be).  About 2 minutes into our family time, The Belle decides to start crying because The International won't let her walk one of the dogs.  Let me go ahead and say that one of our dogs weighs 75 pounds and has the patience of Job.  He loves The Belle and lets her do anything to him.....cover him with blankets, put hats on him, ride him like a pony, you name it.  Our other dog is about 25 pounds, but can just barely contain his dislike of The Belle.  Of course, little dog is the one she wants to hold the leash of and walk.  So, to maintain order and enjoy the day, The International lets her "hold" the leash.  10 minutes later, The International asks her to stop.....the dogs are excited and it is taking all of his energy to keep them in check.......and.....

Cue the sparkles, cue the music, it was time for the Temper Tantrum of the century. 

The Belle had one of the worst tantrums I have ever seen.  EVER.  We have a double stroller and it took both The International and me to get her into it and strapped in.  The whole time she is crying and screaming at the top of her lungs, "LET ME OUTTA HERE!!  LET ME OUTTA HERE!!!".  For the rest of the walk.  I'd say we were about 10-15 minutes away from our apartment.  She screamed the entire time.  And what did I do?  I walked.  And walked.  And said the Serenity Prayer over and over in my head.  And was extremely grateful to the Swedish government for making it illegal to spank my own child, because it could've gotten ugly.  *sigh*

Let me say, I taught school for 10 years, 7 years in one of the poorest schools in the state.  I CAN get children to behave.  Children that don't have the sense that God gave a goat.  Children that other classroom teachers couldn't get to behave, I could get through to.  But my own child?  Not so much.  Frustrated is not the word to describe it.... *double sigh*

I'm not sure if The International will ever suggest any family time again after yesterday's episode.  And to be honest, who can blame him?