I know you already know this. I’ve known it for a while, too. Yet in the hustle and bustle and stress, I forget. When I need it most, I forget. It’s a handy trick all mommas know but don’t always use like we should.
I don’t know what to call it. It’s kind of a backwards and upside down time-out. Perhaps it’s a time-in. I don’t know, but it sure does work. When my kiddos are ~out of control~driving me crazy~ troublesome~ pain in the necks, I have a choice. I can lose my voice yelling and go crazy trying to get them to behave like they have a bit of sense. Or, I can stop. Stop the list of to-do. Stop making dinner. Stop trying to round everyone up to go somewhere. Stop feeling like a crazy woman.
I can sit down on the floor with a fun book and invite them into my arms and lap and heart. I can hold their little hands and play Ring-around-the-Rosie. I can invite them to look at the clouds with me. Doesn’t matter what we do, as long as we do it together. Magically, the frustration melts away. The kids start to smile again.
Time-in. I like the sound of that.
Fatima
you need to go on the show Nanny!
ReplyDeleteYour right!! It works everytime, but I too forget to use it as often as I should :)!
ReplyDeleteyep, I need that reminder
ReplyDeleteFantastic reminder to us all! Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. This time of year can get so busy, that something like a little intentional extra time with the kids can really add to the day in a positive day.
ReplyDelete