I Don’t Want to be a Cranky Mommy
Warning: This is a true story. And it’s not a pretty one!
I’m stressed by Baby Bear, mad at C, mad at Biscuit, and mad at myself.
Deep breaths. I don’t want to be a cranky mommy. I can’t control cranky kids but I can make different choices for my own attitude. What if someone walked into my house in the midst of these exchanges? Would they see how much I love my children? Probably not.
Deep breaths. I don’t want to be a cranky mommy. I can’t control cranky kids but I can make different choices for my own attitude. What if someone walked into my house in the midst of these exchanges? Would they see how much I love my children? Probably not. I heard a mom yell at her kids in the parking lot one time and I swore I would never do that. I only had one child at that point and C was/is a pretty compliant and content kid. Now, I’ve totally snarked at my kids in the parking lot. I’m sure people have overheard. Humbling.
More deep breaths. I don’t want to be a cranky mommy. I start counting my blessings: Sturdy house with a working furnace. Healthy food. Husband who will come in from work soon and help finish up supper and put kids to bed. Three absolutely beautiful boys who I wouldn’t trade for anything (most days). Parents who live next door and my Dad who regularly takes time to come over and connect with his grandsons. Friends nearby. Loving church family.
My heartbeat starts slowing down and breaths become easier to take. C takes Baby Bear, who I have had to put back in his seat to deal with the boiling pasta, and gets him giggling within seconds. C has a true gift for making people feel good and Baby Bear has a ridiculosly contageous laugh. Biscuit heads outside, still wearing clean pants. He potty trained himself just after his second birthday. He hasn’t actually had an accident in ages.
It’s not always easy to stay calm and loving when it feels like things around are spinning out of control. My older two have seen me struggle with postpartum depression and, unfortunately, seen cranky/angry mommy more often than I would like to admit. But God is merciful and has forgiven me. (As have my boys.) He is also the Healer of my soul and He continually works in my heart and body to keep depression at bay. Much of my cranky behavior is due to bad habits I have picked up during some of the low points of my life.
Resources:
5 Ways to Overcome the Yelling Mom – Jamerill, at The Better Mom, explains how motherhood can magnify the sinful flesh and shares her best tips to continue growing toward becoming a more gentle, peaceful, patient, and loving mother.
Excellent tips! Thank you so much for your advice. I have some of the same triggers and have found that praying and breathing really help! God bless!
It’s so simple to pray and breath and yet so hard when you’re in the heat of the moment, isn’t it? But it really does make a difference. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Such an excellent post it becomes so easy to lose it when we don’t focus on gratitude.
This is exactly what I needed today. Lately I’ve been running tired a little more than normal and I have definitely seen more yelling and less patience on my part. I needed the reminder to get enough rest and make it a priority so that my boys and husband can be a priority.
Sharing!
Thanks for sharing and I hope that you find the rest you need.
Not good just for moms either, we all need to learn this. Great points to keep us from being cranky at work or anywhere.
That is true. Cranky and negativity can affect us no matter what stage of life we’re at. Though I will admit to finding it easier to control my attitude with colleagues or strangers that with my children. Which is not fair to them. Ironic, isn’t it? That those we love the most often see the worst in us?