The heat you feel as you watch your child pull the toilet paper roll off the wall and then proceed to run though the house with it after managing to get parts of it wet is enough to make any mom go crazy. I try to stay calm by taking a deep breath or counting to 10, but my children know my pressure points. They push me to my breaking point so I have to make sure that I take care of myself and so should you.
Two major ways to keep your cool:
One, remember to parent out of love and not anger. When I discipline my children while I’m angry nothing gets resolved. They just feed off of my yelling and they yell and cry even more. When I remember to stay calm and talk to them on their level the problem is usually resolved and we’re all able to get back to playing and laughing together much quicker. Have a happy thought about your child that you can use to draw positive energy off of. Take a deep breath, count to ten or walk away for a moment and come back to them when you are calmer. Look them in the eye once you are calm and talk to them and not at them. I’ve discovered my son listens much better when I come down to his eye level and speak calmly to him. All other attempts are like talking to a brick wall.
Two, every mommy needs a mom’s time out. I’m very guilty as a parent of forgetting to take care of myself but I always feel like a million bucks after I take a few moments to refresh and recharge. Ask for help! Many cultures say, “It takes a village to raise a child” and it is so true. Get a baby sitter, do a child swap but give your child to someone else for a few hours. Even if it is just your spouse or the grandparents! Then use that time to do something you enjoy.
Ten things I like to do with my alone time:
Take a bath
Eat some chocolate
Drink some wine
Watch a movie
Read a book
Go Shopping
Read a blog
Write a post
Go Out with Friends
Scrapbook
By guest blogger Louise Bishop, MomStart
