When the right question is the wrong question

Today is a hard day, this week has been warm and I think it is having an adverse effect on Alec, the last two nights we have had extended meltdowns over such things as what animal cards each boy gets and how to prepare his dinner. He has been asleep as soon as the lights are out, which has left Riley wandering the house, one night until 10:30pm! He has been amazingly good though, at three he is learning action and consequence, something Alec doesn't understand. Lately we have been trying to re-enforce the we are cross about xyz but we still love you message, after telling Alec off a little while after he will come and ask if I'm happy now.

What I find hardest is to try and put myself in his place, I know how his mind works and know his expectations in situations but the stress of getting two kids through k-mart without losing the plot myself is hard, you know those looks I mentioned well I got lots of those today, I was able to stay calm and let him know what we were doing Riley was very good Alec was crying, cross, confused and demanding all wrapped up together. We got through it but it leaves me drained, it takes a lot of strength not to lose it in the toy aisle at k-mart I tell you.