A few days ago I started noticing a significant change in Urijah's general attitude. He had started to adopt behavior that would make any parent a little worried. It was a gradual increase in shouting instead of talking. Throwing tantrums - serious tantrums! He would kick, scream, punch and even spit. This was definitely not the Urijah I know. The more frequent the tantrums, the more confused and worried I became.
I wondered whether I was to blame. Was I too soft on him? Maybe too strict for his age? What had I done to make him this way? It was only once speaking to my father in law that I realized what the real issue was. Urijah was dealing with his father's absence. He's still 3yrs old and therefore not able to express his emotions entirely. I'm guessing that confusion and frustration had build up and the tantrums were a release. Albeit an unhealthy one but nonetheless a release.
With this newfound knowledge I started questioning how I could help him cope. My exact question was: what can I do to handle this?
The answer I received from my mom and my father in law was to pray. This allowed me to see that even at 3yrs old, I cannot control Urijah. He is his own person. I can be a good example and guide him the best that I can but ultimately the only real influence I will ever have on him is through the power of prayer. And so I prayed. Harder than I've prayed in a long time. I prayed that he may feel the Savior's love. That he may know that his dad lives him dearly. That, even though he doesn't quite understand the concept of time, he may know that we will see his dad soon. And I prayed that I would be more attuned to his emotional needs.
And the very next day, my little boy was back to his normal kindhearted, thoughtful and generous self.
And a here's a story of what happened that next day. I write it here so that I can always remember my testimony of the power of prayer.
Urijah was downstairs watching a show while Zuri played upstairs in her crib. I took the free moment to have a shower. When jumping out I heard some movement in the kitchen so I called out to Urijah to see what he was up to. And here's our conversation:
Me: Urijah. What are you busy with buddy?
Urijah: Nothing. Just making a sandwich for me and you.
Me: (alarmed but acting cool) Oh ok that sounds great. (so I grabbed Zuri and headed downstairs only to find my little boy whistling to himself and indeed making a sandwich - he had pulled a chair from the dining room, taken out a cutting board, a butter knife, bread, peanut butter and jam)
So naturally I took a picture.
As I continue to pray for him, I am comforted by the Heavenly help over our lives. It brings me so much joy to know that we have a Father in Heaven who not only loves us the parents but who is continously watching over our children.
And this is my testimony. Amen.
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