Until I became a mom, I was unaware of how short-tempered I was Kids have a way of pushing your buttons and bringing out the worst in you (at times). Don’t get me wrong. I have mushy moments with my kids when my heart melts, and it makes me guilty as ever for my weak moments. This is when I start to pay attention to my triggers. We respond the way we do with our kids, not because of what they have done, but because of how we feel in that moment. I tend to flip mostly when my kids don’t pay heed to my instructions. I feel disrespected and feel like I am not in control of the outcome of their actions.
When I eventually calm down, I give my child the explanation for why she can\’t do something and the possible consequences of her actions. It would certainly be helpful to relay that information sooner so she could have all the information needed to make an informed decision about her actions. But kids are kids and this is what I have come to observe and understand of them.
- Most of us tend to have these unrealistic expectations that our kids will listen the first time we say something.
- They do not intend to make you angry. They are just having fun.
- Kids believe they are the most important people and their needs matter first.
We were at the Y after swimming classes one day. My 5 year old started to splash water all over the changing room while I was trying to get her brother into clean clothes. After several attempts to get her to stop, I got pretty mad at her. Obviously, she was having fun and wasn’t paying attention to what I said. I was so mad that I gave her the silent treatment. Before we got into the car to head home, she told me that she was sorry and should not have splashed water all over the place. These are the moments we live for because it reminds us that most of the time these kids are good kids. I hugged her and said thank you for the apology.
Parenting is hard and most days we wish we did a better job at it. I am reminded of a verse from the Bible from 2 Corinthians where the apostle Paul reminds us that God’s power is even greater in our weakest times. So the next time you feel like you are failing, remember that you are doing better than you think you are. Even in your weakness.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”. -2 Corinthian 12:9
