I am sure all parents would agree with me, a day spent with our children plays havoc on our emotions. It is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Patience is not a natural virtue I possess but after ten years of parenting it is one that I have learnt.

 

For my day starts with the early morning school rush madness, grumpy kids, picky breakfast eaters, the start of the days sibling squabbles, he kicked me first, she’s sitting too close to me and so forth, thus begins the grueling test on my patience.

 

The Mt Mummy-No-Patience volcano is jumpstarted into life. The rest of the day continues with now tired after school kids, continuous pleas from my front to complete homework and the continuation of the morning sibling quarrels which now start to accelerate in temper and viciousness if I do not put a stop to it.

 

Yes my no patience volcano is brimming along and by evening I can see myself erupt in a blaze of fury, timeouts and severe punishments for all. I don’t enjoy loosing my patience, it is not pleasant and most times I tend to regret the severe tongue wagging given to all.

 

So as parents we have to be the wiser out of the two and educate ourselves as to how to survive our kids and keep our inner volcanos from erupting. Here are a few tips on self-control

 

 

Kids will be kids – First of all remember that kids will be kids. After one day of telling them how to behave they are not going to wake up the next day and follow your advice to the tee. Accept the fact that you will be repeating yourself a multitude of time, be prepared for it. Your constant reminding will somehow sweep in and you will pleasantly surprised by the days that when they feel like it, they take control of themselves. These moments do happen.

 

 

 

 

Live with the little things - My oldest despite her good intentions is one of those people who are always forgetful. I will get a numerous number of calls from school asking me to bring said forgotten item, these unwelcome calls drive me up the wall, since I already have a busy day planned and I eventually end up loosing my patience with her.

 

But now I have learnt to accept her short comings and I am prepared, I double check if water bottle has been taken, if swimming bag is actually packed with the swimsuit. Since I know she tries, I avoid any unnecessary eruptions by being on top of her shortcomings.

 

 

Take a break, have a kitkat - My days melt into weeks and weeks into months where I just continually engage in kid driven days and activities. Before you know it our nerves are frayed and even though we don’t want to admit it, we are zombie personalities of our former selves.

 

Do not let it get to this point, have some time out. Get relatives and friends to watch the kids. Plan an afternoon for yourself, catch up with friends and rejuvenate your mind body and soul.

 

 

 

 

 

Eat your greens - I find that the days I eat healthy and exercise, I have bundles of energy as well as I am in good spirits to deal with any grumpy child. When I am in a good mood, my patience is bountiful and this proves to be a more productive experience with my children. Look after yourself for only your children will benefit from a better you.

 

 

People are not perfect – Accept the fact that your life will not resemble a chapter from the stepford wives handbook, your house will not be spick and span, your children will not display epitomes of excellent behavior and successfully juggling family and a career seems like a whimsical dream you had one day.

 

Don’t let your perceived imperfections get the better of you, this will dampen your mood and make your temperament short. What matters the most is that your children are happy and healthy and this itself is an immensely important achievement, take comfort in it.

 

 

 

 

Just as we are busy teaching our children about life, they are busy in their own ways teachings us about ourselves . Don’t let your lack of patience with them cloud the beautiful moments spent with your children, for once they are past they are gone for good. Reel in your impatience, enjoy your children, ENJOY PARENTHOOD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Mayuri Jayasinghe