Keeping your cool

[Momof4]

Great idea DayHomeMama, my dckids love finger puppets and puppets of all sizes. Mostly, I think they just like it when I act like a nut.

[godsgirl]

I know that a lot of my stress comes from my own need to have things and activities organized and perfect, I need to just go with the flow and be more loosy goosy. I feel like I have a standard to live up to with the kids parents so I put added pressure on because of that. I'm sure they're just happy that their kids are safe and happy, but I tend to forget it sometimes.

This is EXACTLY what I have realized this week!!!
I need to just live in the moment more and relax. I think I have been putting so much pressure on myself and think I just need to breath and realize that as long as these children are safe, fed, clean, and rested that really is all that matters. For instance this one boy that I have been having problems with refuses to put his own shoes on (he's 3.5). He is so used to his family doing everything for him that he just doesn't try. I used to fight with him every time we would go outside to make an attempt at putting his own shoes on and it always ended in me being frustrated and doing it anyways because we were sick of waiting for him. This week I've decided that I can't be the only one trying to teach this boy how to take care of himself it's really up to his parents. If he doesn't know basic skills when he goes to school next year it's not my problem so why am I stressing out about silly stuff like that. This week I have just been putting his shoes on with the rest of the kids and going outside is so much less stressful. Yay!

My husband has said that this week my whole demeanour has changed and I seem less wound up. Truthfully, I feel it too. I know it's gonna take some time to 'unwind' and not be so worn out but I definitely feel I'm well on my way. I've even placed written reminders around the stressful areas of my house (mainly in the kitchen for those stressful lunch times) to remind myself to chill when I feel the children pushing away at my buttons.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one. Thank you ladies!!

[godsgirl]

DayHomeMama, I feel the exact same way! I am going through the same thing so I don't have much advice but thank you for sharing. As I'd love to hear others advice as well.