What to do...

I feel like such an awful parent. There must be something more I should or could be doing... Matt has been working at the house non-stop. He's back at work this week (off on vacation last week working on the wiring) but this week he's returned to work for his days but then spends his entire evening working at the house. So I'm left to wonder is Grace's change in behavior some how related to that? I just don't know - but Tuesday when I picked her up at Brenda's, Brenda commented on how mean she was to Eva. This has only just started, generally its Eva who is the stinker and Grace is so-sooooo sweet!

But today, she was constantly scolding her and the finally happened when Eva wanted Grace's shoe (Eva loves shoes). Rather then telling her no and walking away, Grace said no and not kicking her - but used her leg to push, kicked out at her. Knocked Eva down and scrapped her leg.

What to do! I feel awful for both of them. Eva's crying - hurt and her feelings were hurt. Grace who she idolizes hurt her, when all she truly wants is to be just like her. Grace is upset b/c I'm upset, and while I didn't lose my temper at all... I took Grace away for timeout where I told her, how much it hurts me that she would hurt Eva. I love them both so much, I can't bear to see them hurt each other. It hurts me when Eva scratches Grace, and Grace doesn't like that, right? I explained how Grace is bigger, stronger, smarter and she shouldn't take advantage of those strengths to hurt Eva. She then sat fidgeting in timeout - at first she seemed very upset but that didn't last long.

She didn't have a nap so maybe that added to the overall feeling of the day - note, I did try and get her to sleep, but it didn't work. I just feel so miserable knowing she's such a wonderful little person, and I have to constantly tell her, "No" "Grace, don't do that...", etc... When Matt was home more and could help field some of the issues I didn't feel quite this way. I have to wonder if she's doing some of this just to get attention?

I go to sleep each night praying I can be a better parent - please, please, please help me be the best Mommy I can be.