swearing off anger - part 2

I'm trying to switch tactics from being angry to being matter-of-fact about things. Instead of allowing myself to become overly frustrated, I want to simply handle the moments of defiance and disobedience with a calm, no nonsense demeanor. My boys will still know that I mean business because they will find themselves in time-out or losing tv privileges or missing out on dessert. But there will be no room for them to push me into freak out mode because bad behavior will be dealt with immediately. There will be no warning, no "if you do that again..." There will be behavior and consequence.
Sounds pretty nice in theory, right? The problem is that, as I sit here writing this, I know that I am completely incapable of following through on it. I tell myself that if I only had one kid I could manage it. But I'm not sure that is even true. What is true is that I am a controlling, self-centered person who is now dealing with creatures who are even more self-centered than I am and who, for some reason, dislike being controlled. It seems like a no-win situation.
But I believe that God made my kids and me. And I also believe that He is bigger than temper tantrums and crying jags. My kids are ultimately in His hands so I have to trust that He will give me what I need to take care of them while they are on loan to me. And right now I am trusting that He can give me determination and the ability to stay calm. Something tells me that I will have to ask Him for help with this often. Very often.

photo by Passive Income Dream.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/incomedream/5551082598/