Rainy Days and Mondays

When Molly and Jack were babies we blamed days that they were cranky and grumpy on colic, teething, poor sleeping patterns or impending developmental milestones.  Now that they're older and better able to express themselves, whether it be through ridiculous demands, whining, bickering or temper tantrums we are better able to face the fact that sometimes people get into bad moods and that bad moods aren't exclusively for adults.

There are certain things that always put Molly and Jack in bad moods.  Jack, like his mom, falls victim to getting Hangry (so hungry he gets angry), and 80% of any behavioural issues can be resolved by handing him some raisins or crackers.  Molly is a bit of a "Sensitive Sally", so anything you say can set her off.  The other morning I called her honey bee instead of Molly, she lost her mind, screaming "I AM MOLLY AND I AM NOT A HONEY BEE."  Additionally, both children, consistently throughout their entire lives, get into terrible moods on rainy or gloomy days.

Here are two of our favourite books to read to Molly and Jack to talk about bad moods and bad days. Cause who doesn't feel better after being read a story and some cuddles?

Grover's Bad Awful Day
From morning to dinner time, Grover has a bad day.  He's late for playgroup, forgets what letter comes after Q and drops his ice cream on the ground.  It's a good thing that his mommy can help him feel better.  Kids who love Sesame Street and old lovable Grover will appreciate knowing that sometimes he has bad days too.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!
A friend of ours has always described her bad days as "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days". Obviously this book had a significant impact on her as a child, so when I saw it on a shelf at a local bookstore I had to grab it for Molly & Jack.  Alexander's laundry list of complaints are wonderfully kid focused and so entertaining they'll bring a smile to almost any "Grumpy Gus".  The artwork that corresponds with the story truly captures the essence of little boy grumpy face.  It's as if Jack posed and pouted for this book himself.

For younger kids there is a board book called Happy Hippo, Angry Duck  that talks about different moods including an Angry Duck who's always kinda grumpy.

Apparently, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day! is coming to theatres this October starring Steve Carrell and Jennifer Garner.

What are your favourite cures for a moody day with little ones?  Or for yourself?  I like to bake while listening to British divas (Adele, Amy Winehouse or Lily Allen are personal favourites).

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