Today, I realized I am so not where I want to be with my parenting. I know there is no such thing as a perfect parent and I do know that my kids understand about me being sick, well as much as a 5 and 2 yr old can.
For a while now I have noticed my sweet little girl has become increasling bossy and just plain hateful in the way she speaks to her family. Now, she's always been determined, strong willed and sassy.
But it's just been her tone lately that has really bothered me. She yells and is so rude in the way she talks to people. Their is not a lot of gentlness in the way she deals with others.
Today, I looked at her and saw myself. I haven't been gentle or kind with my kids or even others for a while. It was like a light bulb went off in my head...yeah I know I can be slow sometimes :)
I used to take more time with her, be more gentle when she did something wrong, she had clear consequences that usually included time out. I wouldn't let the temper tantrums get to me and would calmly deal with them.
Lately, I have been doing the opposite. Probably for the last few months. And yes I know that a lot of it has to do with me being sick and some days I just don't have enough energy to talk calmly to her. It's just easier to snap, be hateful and demanding. But there is NO excuse for that.
Children learn what they live. I don't want her to continue to have to live with that because I do not want her to turn in to that.
I don't think it will be hard to turn it around. I caught myself twice today, I was about to raise my voice and snap but then I took a breath and calmly asked her to stop doing what she was doing and it broke my heart when she looked up surprised and immedialtely stopped.
God, please help me to always remember that my children learn what they live. They are watching me and will act in the way that I do especially my daughter because little girls always want to be like their mothers. Please, stop me during those moments when I am having trouble and remind me of that and please give me the strength and wisdom to raise children who are pleasing to you.
6 comments:
What a great prayer! I agree with you! Agree with me for me too! OK thanks for posting this Kee!
Its beautiful the way you recognize your weaknesses and are eager to change.
Kudos to you!
Keep smiling!
Yes, we've all been there! The good thing is, they are still young, and when we realize we're doing this and changing our behavior, they won't remember :) I hope you're feeling good today and just remember to give the kiddos extra hugs on those crummy days...that's all you can do! You're an awesome mommy!
Thank you for being transparent and desiring to change. Hard as it may be, but with God all things are possible. Blessings dear one!
How awesome that you are willing to take the time to recognize how you can improve as a parent. I've been in that same place many, many times. And the first step is always the willingness to make the change.
Way to go, Mom!!!
Oh girl I can so relate...You are so right. Good for you stopping and calmly attending to the situations. i need help in this area too.
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