Thursday, November 6, 2014

patience is a virtue...

 Last random photo from Washington :)
...one that I fear I will never master! Today's topic is a good one, how to not lose your patience with your toddler. All I know is that every piece of advice I think of is so much easier said than done! But when I think about my sweet Mia who will do anything to please me, or get the look of approval, or earn and applause... I wonder how I could ever lose my patience with her? Yes, she tests the limits and is learning her boundaries, but I knew we would experience that when I signed up for the job of becoming a mom! I think what keeps Eric and I in check when keeping our cool with Mia, is setting our own boundaries (and helping each other stick to them.)
For example, we have decided that we will not be slapping/flicking Mia's hands to teach her a lesson. That just doesn't work for her. But occasionally Mia will purposely throw her food on the floor... the floor that I just mopped and the food I'd been slaving over for way too long... and I get the BIGGEST urge to flick her hand and teach her a lesson! Sometimes it's ridiculously hard, but I do my best to shut that urge down before I have time to react.
Speaking of reacting... I find that I usually lose my cool when I react. I have better control when I take a moment to breathe, assess the situation, then respond as calmly as I can (all it takes is a deep breath or two and I'm calm again) Does any of this make sense? I realize I'm all over the place with this post and I think it's because I don't have the right answer... I don't know if I'll ever have the right answer! I do know is that I do my best to stay calm and react in the most positive way I can to any situation Mia throws my way :) That's really the only thing I can do until I've mastered the art of patience (which will be never, in case you were wondering!)
 
Nov 6:    How to Not Lose Your Patience with your Toddler
Nov 13:  Favorite Toddler Outings
A Mommy App

10 comments:

Emily said...

My mom always says (aaaalways), "patience is a virtue, virtue is a grace, both put together make a very pretty face!" I

BLovedBoston said...

I think you totally nailed it!! I'm not a mom yet, but I know that even when dealing with people assessing the situation before blowing up is always the way to go!!

Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes} said...

Girl I was just saying that same thing to myself yesterday. I've been so impatient lately but patience is so hard!

<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com

Alycia said...

sometimes keeping your patience truly is hard!!! I know I struggle with it at times, for sure! I'm glad we are not alone! :)

~Dawn~ said...

Oh wow..YES...it's always easier said than done, especially when it comes to patience. But, I have noticed, too, that my girls will respond much better when I come at them with a calm tone and to 'talk it out' rather than lose my shit and come unglued. The more upset I become the more defensive they get and there is no lesson in yelling or hitting. Deep breaths and a calm voice always wins!

Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre said...

I think the more rushed and stressed I am the worst my patience is....I've been trying to slow down a little bit and it's helped not be so snappy!

Sarah said...

I agree, it's something that we always have to work on. After all is said and done you always look back and think, why did I lose my patience?

JMO said...

I think you got this! Great post girl- I'm looking forward to the day when I need to reference this! haha xoxo

Desiree Macke said...

By nature I'm not a patient person. However, with toddlers I think we are constantly being *taught* patience. It might not always be pretty, and there's always room for improvement, but when the shortcomings are recognized - those are the moments when you're growing as a parent and as a person. (Does that make sense??)
You're doing a great job momma, and Mia is so lucky to have you!

Courtney [Sweet Turtle Soup] said...

I agree, reacting is usually what gets you in trouble. Patience is definitely something I had in short before Aria, and she has definitely grown some for me over almost two years! Such a good teacher she is =)

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