As parents, we often find ourselves expecting our children to have self control; yet, we don't exhibit that same behavior. I find that I am constantly reminding my kids (and sometimes my husband) not to yell, to use kind words, to speak in a nice tone and so forth. I try to do the same, but don't we all have that one thing that sets us off? For me, it's when I feel frazzled and rushed and that's when "crazy mom" (as my kids call it) comes out. "Crazy mom" sighs, slams cabinet doors, and yells at everyone for not doing things her way and on her time frame. Sometimes she even inadvertently hurts the kids feelings and makes them cry. I am not proud of "crazy mom" and she certainly does not portray the type of behavior that I would like my kids to adopt.
My son in his infinite wisdom has told me on many occasions to just calm down and slow down and everything will get done and we will be on time. He is typically right.
Today I had one of those mornings that would typically set me off, but for some reason it didn't! I was able to just calm down and breathe and remind myself that I would rather my kids be a few minutes late to school then spend the morning feeling crappy because they got yelled at. I slowed down, made breakfasts and lunches, asked them politely to please empty the dishwasher and fill their water bottles (instead of using the crazy mom demanding tone) and then when they were all ready to leave, gave them an extra long hug and a kiss and told them how awesome they are and thanked them for helping out. And, guess what?? They left ON TIME!
Here is to many more mornings just like this! Self control all around!
My son in his infinite wisdom has told me on many occasions to just calm down and slow down and everything will get done and we will be on time. He is typically right.
Today I had one of those mornings that would typically set me off, but for some reason it didn't! I was able to just calm down and breathe and remind myself that I would rather my kids be a few minutes late to school then spend the morning feeling crappy because they got yelled at. I slowed down, made breakfasts and lunches, asked them politely to please empty the dishwasher and fill their water bottles (instead of using the crazy mom demanding tone) and then when they were all ready to leave, gave them an extra long hug and a kiss and told them how awesome they are and thanked them for helping out. And, guess what?? They left ON TIME!
Here is to many more mornings just like this! Self control all around!