Mister Negativity Ooozes His Charm

My daughters father is my EX for a reason. He is selfish, insensitive, unmotivated, and reeks of negativity. Being my EX, you would think that I would only have to deal with those behaviors on a as needed basis, like when I have to deal with him regarding our child. But, noooooo, our child has inherited her fathers negative personality and it drives me absolutely insane!! " I can't do it, I won't do it, It's too hard, I won't like it, I won't try, etc, etc". I reinforce the positive, praise any and all effort, and just when I think I am making headway. BAM! We fall right back into the negative slump again. Every other weekend is far too much time spent in his mist if you ask me, but hey I have to do what the judge says.


Tonight we had a 2 hour skate party for the softball team. First she said I don't want to go because I can't skate. Once she got there she was willing to try, for all of 5 seconds. Then started the I can't won't, too hard, etc., through bouts of tears. After removing and reapplying the skates three times she finally started to enjoy herself. I think OK, we made it, got past the negativity, she tried, she's having fun, pheeww, it's almost over.Then I went and did it! I let her know that there is 10 minutes of skate time left before the party is over, she promptly lands on the floor, whips the skates off, and starts crying again. "I don't want to leave,but if I have to then I'm not going to skate at all anymore, etc., etc.". (sigh) Negative outburts. OK lets go.


So as I was driving home with my 7, yes I said 7 and not 3, year old and start to drive home I ponder how I can I get him to see that he oozes his negativity into his daughters life and ultimately ruins what should be a fun time. Then it came to me! Oh, wait..that's illegal. OH I KNOW! I am going to sue him! I am going to drag him to court for being a miserable @$$hole. I want damages dam it! I want monetary compensation for pain and suffering! I want him to have to get a tattoo on his forehead that says GRADE A @$$HOLE so people can see him coming and avoid allowing him to ruin their day too! Hell, while I am at it, I want to get all those jerks on the road who blow a stop sign then flip me off one of those tattoos too! Maybe if his daughter sees the tattoo on his forehead she will make the connection that he behaves badly and not try to emulate him.


(Deep breathes) OK I feel better now. Tomorrow is another day. More positive reinforcement, you can if you tries, think positive, way to go, good job, and lots of love and affection. Maybe I will stop by the local court house and ask the clerk if I can sue someone for being an @$$hole and tell her what I want for compensation just to see her reaction. (grin)