6.18.2012

Timeout!

Mommy is on timeout.

Kitty Peace
This day started out badly and has continued on a bad streak.  My oldest informed me that the minor changes I had made to our schedule were unacceptable.  Then the conversation turned into all the reasons she is unhappy and why she wants to move and how the neighbor kids are mean.  Phew.

I want to fix it for her.  I want her to be well liked and popular and generous.  All the things I wasn't as a child.  My mom tried telling me that I had to be less bossy and more outgoing or else I'd never have any friends.  I'm tempted to say that same thing but I know that those words left me feeling alone and unlikeable.  So, I try to listen and offer gentle guiding words. It feels pointless.  Kids don't give much positive feedback.  I think you just throw kind words in their direction as often as possible and hope that some of them hit the mark.

I'm on timeout to remind myself that I'm not a failure, that it's okay if we don't go on an adventure each day.  It's okay to be frustrated by the petty arguments of children.  It's okay to eat when hungry and not worry about my waistline.  It's definitely okay to take a timeout before losing my temper.

Thinking calm thoughts....

3 comments:

Molly Page said...

I am incredibly impressed. I hope your time out is productive and I applaud the compassion and wisdom with which you're parenting. Even if it's not apparent to you, this blog post is a clear picture that both are present.

Angie Butcher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Angie Butcher said...

Thanks Molly! I so appreciate hearing that.