New Year, New Mom Challenge Day 5: Practice Patience

[Cafe Kristin]

As moms, we've all lost our patience at one time or another -- maybe more than we'd like to admit. But being more patient with our kids is better for them -- and us. When your patience is being tested:

• Take a deep breath
• Don't react. Think first, then act calmly
• If you have to (and it's safe) remove yourself from the situation for a minute to calm down

Remind yourself to:

• Look at the bigger picture: In the realm of things, your kid acting up is a temporary, minor nuisance that you'll forget about in a few hours.
• Think about the why: It may be hard to do in the moment, but try to think about WHY your kid is acting up. Is he tired? Sick? Hungry? We're all cranky when we're tired, sick, or hungry -- and he's just a kid!
• Remember it's not you: Kids throw tantrums -- all kids. It's not the tantrum you'll remember, it's the way you handled it (and so will your child). 
• Nip anger in the bud: Remember that the angrier you are, the more upset your kid will become -- and they might start to think that anger and aggression are good ways to deal with things.
• Miss them: Think about how you'll miss these days when they're all grown up!
  

How have your kids tested your patience? How do you remain calm?

If you missed yesterday's activity, you can find it here. It's not too late to sign up for the New Year, New Mom Challenge -- and win! Click here to sign up now and see what you can win! >>

[mamacalifornia]

 Yep my kids test my patience almost daily! I say I love and I will come talk to you when you are calmer, it usually works and we talk a few minutes later.

[MichelleK41]

Mine will try to push the buttons every once in a while. I give them a stern warning on what they are saying or doing is inappropriate and leave them to think about it.

[meteomom]

I try to do all these things - I have walked away more than once when I've been about to lose it, and I think it's better for all of us in the end. It works with DH, too!

[goddess99]

I pick my battles. I do let some things go, without even saying anything. I just try to breathe before I start in.

[Kmakksmom]

Lots of deep breaths and patience :)

They love to try and push my buttons, but it rarely phases me now.

[Jennifair]

My dd get's a warning then if she still act's up it's a time out. She also has a "chore" chart ( she's only 3 so it's not real chores.) but if she doesn't geta frown face all day she gets a sticker. 10 stickers she get's a "prize" Seems to work 

[PEEK05]

Oh God, I really need this challenge. I really REALLY need to work on my patience level.

[MedievalMama]

I find myself being very irritable lately. I don't know if it's the pregnancy hormones or what. But I've had to sit back and breath a few times without just going off. Right now it's our pets and DH that just keep getting on my last nerve. I've managed to refrain from exploding so far, now to just keep it up!

[dusty_707]

well since my son is only 10 months.. hes in the testing stage

[whimsyjuggalett]

Patience is a virtue.