When Your Kids are Getting on Your Nerves
I think I’ve figured out why your kids are getting on your nerves…
…and you know what? I’m not so sure they are the ones to blame…at least most of the time anyway. In fact, I would say that nine times out of ten, I am the problem around here!
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Yes, me…mama…I am the one that needs to step back and consider a few things, and here’s what they are:
I need to rethink our family’s schedule. Is our calendar too full? Have we overscheduled our week? Or weekend? Have we said “yes” to too many things? While they may all be good things, were all of them really designed for us? Recently, we have had to take a serious look at our calendar and think through what is best for our family right now…in this season. Yes, a few good things have had to go. Why? Because they weren’t the best things, and in many ways, they were robbing our family.
We were rushing…we were hurried…we were too busy…and we started to feel it – I think even our little ones were suffering from the effects of it. At times, we were pressured, and when something would go wrong (oftentimes a very small something), we would lose it on each other….and then we would feel guilty…and then we would hear that still small voice saying…Is it worth it? Are all of these things that you’re doing right now really worth the way you just treated one of the people you cherish more than anything in the world?
I need to rethink my expectations. While my husband and I feel strongly about having high expectations for our kiddos, I think that we as parents are oftentimes guilty of expecting too much from our kids. Hear me out here… One of the biggest things I want to pass on to my children is an attitude of excellence. I recently heard an awesome quote that said “Go the extra mile…It’s never crowded there.” Wow! I love that! I want to hang it the walls of our home! However, sometimes I find myself getting irritated with my kids when honestly, they are just being kids. When this happens, I have to stop and remind myself that they are not little adults…they are children…they are in the training process…
…they are worthy of the same grace that I expect others to give to me.
I need to get more sleep! I saved this one for last, because it is the one I struggle with the most! I am guilty of staying up late because when the house is quiet, I am able to get a lot done. While the kiddos are sleeping, I clean the kitchen…or put away laundry…or blog…or watch Dateline with hubby (which if I’m honest is actually one of the highlights of my week). You see, I am a night owl. I love to stay up late…but that doesn’t work well when you have little ones.
Side Note: Even if I let my kids stay up late, they still get up at the same [early] time every morning. Do your kids do this, too? Just curious. Anyway, sleep is so, so important – If I’m tired, I’m cranky. Now that I think about it…I’m also cranky when I’m hungry…or thirsty…or when the house is too hot…or when my bra is too tight. So with that being said, mamas, let’s all commit to doing these few things: Let’s get to bed earlier tonight. Let’s make sure we give ourselves time to eat something…and drink a glass of water. Let’s crank up the air conditioner. and Let’s go shopping for a bra that actually fits.
I love ya, mamas…and here’s to less crankiness and more love for our little ones. They truly are the sweetest gift!
XOXO,
Elizabeth
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like reading For this child I have prayed…Really?
I often remind myself that Connor is 3, not 13 so I need to treat him like a child and lower my expectations because he is still learning about this crazy life and I need to be a bit more patient during the process.
I totally understand! It can be tough sometimes!
This post is such a great reminder of things us mommas need to consider, especially the parts about more sleep and rethinking our expectations.
Tif
http://www.brightonabudget.com
Yes, yes, yes! I’m so glad I’m not alone in this!
The sleep …. A must. They run you ragged and being on your game in the sleep department makes us or breaks us. Over scheduled kids make for cranky kids too!
You are so, so right! I have seen that first-hand for sure!
This article was a blessing! I’d love to stay connected! Check out our3sons on (instagram)
100% agree with your thoughts on this!