take it outside

I hear it in my voice. Exasperation. Frustration. Annoyance. And if I hear it, then you can bet that my kids hear it too. Nothing is going on. There haven't been any major altercations. No huge temper tantrums or displays of attitude. Instead, it has been small minor things. Ignoring a request to cease doing something. Needing to be called to the table three or four times before coming. Demanding that something be done now. Making messes and walking away from them. Minor things that taken individually are just moments where correction is needed. But put them all together and it is like being pecked to death by baby birds.
I get tired and I get worn down. And then I begin to react to my kids rather than parent them. I start to let their behavior dictate my behavior instead of the other way around. Those are the days when I need to step outside and take a few deep breaths. I need to pray and ask God to help me see my kids through a lens of love and patience. And sometimes I just need to scream out my frustration so that I can go back inside and be the mommy that they need me to be. The mommy who can discipline without demeaning and who speaks with love. That's right. I go outside and I scream. I am that weird. But it really does help. Try it and see. I dare you.  


photo by Pete Herron  http://www.flickr.com/photos/peteherron/3478366311/