Just Sit Down.....

Have you ever had one of those horrid Mom days where everything goes wrong? No matter how hard you try, the little ones are either screaming, crying, spilling, whining or following you around hanging on your leg?  How about bopping each other on the head? Or stealing a beloved toy from one of the little ones and hiding it?  Then there's the teaser who gets everyone going then laughs?  Yeah.....

It is beyond frustrating and can get you in a nasty mood quickly. I have found over the years that the only cure for one of those days is to give in and sit on the floor. Yup, just for a bit. Turn off the T.V., no electronics, just Mom on her rear end.

Really, plop yourself down and I promise everything gets calmer. The kids will bring you a book or a plastic tea party treat or a ball and will immediately calm themselves. They may even just sit down next to you and stare at you!

Sometimes they just need us right there.

Is this giving in? I don't think so. As Moms and particularly if you have a large family, we are always on the go. Yes, it's for them and about them but it isn't usually with them. We talk at the kids so much of the time. It's inevitable and doesn't make us bad Moms. Giving direction, instructions, etc. is a necessity to having an ordered life, but on a bad day it can get the kids all out of whack. Sometimes we just need to be with them at their level doing nothing.

I know you're probably thinking that's too simple, but it works and I always felt better too after sitting on the floor playing Lego's or tea party or reading 8 books!!  This isn't an everyday thing. It's for those days you are close to losing it, when all heck is breaking loose and you know you are reaching a breaking point.

Just STOP...then breathe. Then give in.

We homeschool. There have been days where I woke up and felt behind from 6 AM on. Those days always seemed to have one or more of the kids acting out too, so it would all escalate. I have called for a recess day many times and they turn out to be great days because we are all giving in and doing something different to change the mood. It was fun, unexpected and the kids loved it.

So on those days you're just DONE, have a seat on the floor. Give in. Wave the white flag. Even if you're exhausted and haven't gotten anything done on that To-Do List....give up and sit down.  The kids get creative, stop arguing and the mood lightens considerably. I guarantee the kids will be so much better and you will get those To-Do things done after your little pow-wow.

~Blessings~

 Lisa