You're in the grocery store, and your child throws herself to the ground in another epic tantrum because you won't buy her another sugary treat.
You can feel the eyes, and judegemnt, of other shoppers on you.
You try reasoning with her, but that just makes things worse, and before you know it, you've lost control.
You raise your voice, and end up giving in just to make the scene stop.
You know there's a better way, and you're right!
Because here's the truth: while we can't always control our kids' actions, we CAN control how we perceive, interpret, and react to them.
I've seen firsthand the toll that losing control can take on both parents and children.
But I've also witnessed the transformation that occurs when parents learn to harness their own emotions and responses.
By shifting your mindset and adopting new strategies, you can navigate these moments with calmness and confidence.
That's why, in this post, I'm going to share with you my 3 top tips for staying grounded when your patience as a parent is put to the test.
1.You Can't Control Your Kids I know you really want to gain control of the situation. And that makes sense. Psychologically, we want to control our external environment when we feel out of control.
If you're like me, you've tried grabbing your kid, threatening them, teking their stuff away- and you've probably also discovered that none of that workds. You still feel enraged and out of control.
But it's not because your kids are impossilbe brats, it's becaue you literally cannot control your kids.
The good news though, is that you CAN control your perception, interpretation and reaction to their behaviour.
2.Take a Breath Taking I know it sounds cliche, but the breath is a powerful tool to create space amidst chaos.
Just consciously deciding to take a breath, activated the part of your your brain that takes you out of automatic (ie. from reacting without thinking) and puts you in a more present state of mind.
That doesn't mean you don't feel irritated.
But when you take an expansive and intentional breath, you create more space for the chaos and irritation, so that instead of spilling out, and onto your kids, you can regain a sense of control in the chaos and shift from a reactive mode to thoughtful, intentional behavior.
3.You Are the Boss While sometimes it may feel like they hold all the power-you are the authority.
Not only do they need you to set clear expectations, communicate firmly, and stand your ground with compassion, but it's your job. Your children need you to be the boss, providing them with guidance and structure in times of chaos. And when you do, everyone feels in control.
By implementing these three tips—letting go of control, taking a breath, and embracing your role as the boss—you can navigate moments of chaos with grace and composure.
Remember, staying grounded not only benefits your children but also allows you to cultivate a sense of inner peace and confidence in your parenting journey.
If you found these tips helpful and want personalized support and guidance in your parenting experience, feel free to reach out for a no-cost, no-commitment discovery call and let's see if we're a good fit to help you navigate the challenges and create a harmonious environment for you and your children.