Being Calm

As I have reflected on conference this week I have really been trying hard this week to be calmer with the kids and to keep a gentle voice when dealing with them.  This week has been especially trying with Kevin shooting the whole week and not home for the whole day.  I haven't been able to tag team as much as I would like.  Some days weren't great (actually pretty disappointing as one kid or another would have a melt down and I just couldn't deal with it for the long term).  Thankfully today was a much better day!  So glad I'm making progressed.  I tried to talk the kids in a quiet voice and to keep calm while saying, "I'm so sad too....I wish you'd made a better choice...it's really hard when we make sad choices."  Oh the joy of teaching children.  I'm so glad that there were just a few moments that I couldn't deal with it any longer.  So glad it wasn't much and that I remained calm almost all day!  Life is much nicer and I feel more realized through the day, a welcome relief from the frustrated mom I can become.

Earlier this week I had another calm moment when Addie was being stubborn and wouldn't put on underwear or a pull-up   She wanted to sit and read books with Glenn and I on the couch but I had told her she needed to put something on her bum to sit on the couch. She was refusing but kept trying to get up.  I tickled her to keep her down and it was pleasant way to help her learn to listen and to go put something on. After reading a book to Glenn she finally gave in and put on some undies (her sisters that were big and baggy on her but she was covered).