When it does happen, the hairy-eyeballing of parents with "less unruly" children--or people who've never been parents, for that matter--makes me want to Sharpie a scarlet "T" (for tantrum) on my chest and be done with it.
The self-criticism is even worse. "What am I doing wrong? Am I grooming a career criminal? Does Gymboree offer anger management classes?"
The truth is, every child has pulled an 'Incredible Hulk" at least once...some once a week or day. In most cases, he or she will outgrow it (mercifully). In the meantime, those of us "in the trenches" should be lifting one another up and being easier on ourselves. This is not to say we should hunker down and let little fists fly. But, if we focus less on raising "perfect" children and more on the bigger picture, we'll be less likely to have our own "Hulk" meltdowns.
Here's an article that really puts things in perspective:
http://lysaterkeurst.com/2012/01/i-dont-want-to-raise-a-good-child/
Don't let "little green monster" moments get the best of you; there will be plenty of "banner" days ahead!
..At least that's what I tell myself. :->
