Here I Sit, Making A Vow

Here I sit on the kitchen floor, among the spilled cocoa puffs, holding a crying three year old because I have, once again, lost my cool. Not entirely over the spilled cocoa puffs, but it was the last straw.

Both my children have such tender hearts, one harsh word sends them into a cascade of tears...and it breaks my heart every time. Yet the harsh words still flow out of my mouth before I can cram them into nonexistence.

I hate the part of me that allows that to happen.

My children are so very forgiving. I suppose God made children that way. Still the same, it doesn't make it okay to speak to children, or anyone for that matter, in a harsh or 'ugly' tone.

So here I sit, making a vow to always speak to my children in a loving, gentle tone, unless their very lives depend upon me yelling or speaking loudly.

Now note, that this does NOT mean that my children will be undisciplined.

I'm a prideful person. It takes a lot for me to ask for help. Usually help is right there for me to grab at, but while struggling with other things that are currently in my life, I know I need it more than before.

As my readers, will you help me with this? 

Remind me. 

Let me have a break. 

Speak encouraging words to me. 

I'm a little hesitant to admit being harsh with my kids. It is another one of those things that isn't talked about because parents are afraid to let other people see that they aren't 'perfect' parents. Stupid, really. 

I really wish we lived in a society where 'village parenting' was more active. I'm thankful for the people around me that don't mind 'parenting' our kids when we're not around...or even when we are around. Sometimes, I get cranky with these people because it feels like they feel the need to step in because I'm not doing my job.

I know this isn't true. They're just trying to be helpful.

I haven't had any uninterrupted mommy time in over 2 weeks. It's due. Way past due. Not that I'm making excuses. Anger and frustration should never be taken out on others, although that is what almost always happens in our society. 

If we lived in little villages where moms were around each other near constantly with their children while their husbands were at work, the stress levels in homes would be so much lower. I'm pretty sure it would be anyway. 

Back to my point; I intend to have a relationship with my children where they don't feel criticized. Where they feel loved regardless of mistakes, messes or otherwise. And I am certain that the best way to do this is to show them the respect of kind words, even during discipline and correction.

Children learn best through example, right?