Why I Put Myself In The Naughty Chair

If you're anything like me, you're probably laughing at the title of this post. It's time for a moment of truth though, because I do sometimes put myself in the naughty chair. It benefits me and my boys. Am I crazy?! Yes, Probably!

It always happens when I'm working on a project: for instance on Monday when I was getting ready to show the house to a potential buyer the boys came inside from playing in a mud puddle. My stress level was already through the roof, and I was fed up with their whining and nonsense. Of course I was in crazy get-er-done/OCD mode, and the boys were following me around undoing all of my hard work. Finally, when they started tugging at my skirt, I yelled at them. "You boys, LEAVE ME ALONE! Get Out NOW!" In that moment, as Blade's face fell, I realized that I'm acting like the crazy man in the park who yells and screams over every little thing that isn't a big deal. I was throwing a fit and acting ugly...and where do we go when we act ugly?

You see, I want them to know that there are consequences to actions. There are positive consequences and negative consequences. Does this rule only apply to children? We all know it doesn't.

So I followed up with, "Mommy, is acting ugly. Mommy has to sit in the naughty chair."

Of course Blade thought it was funny. So I sat in the naughty chair. As I sat there, I realized, It's NICE to sit in the naughty chair! It's a time-out! It's a time-out to think about the way I was acting, and WHY I was acting that way. It's a time-out from the out-of-control way I was feeling. It was a take-a-break chair, a rest chair, a quiet moment of reflection to calm down and get it all together. I emerged a more positive, energized mother, ready to apologize.

Too often I expect things of my children that I don't do. This is wrong, and I want to lead by example. I also want an easy way to help my young children understand that even parents are held accountable for their actions. For me, the naughty chair is a useful tool that I use to get that point across. Besides, it doesn't hurt to sit down once in a while. *Smile*

Let me know your thoughts! I would love for you to contact me with any questions!

I Am Not Super Mom, and That's Ok.

I Am Not Super-Mom

Life is so short. I found this out after I had kids. My baby is going to be two tomorrow! I haven't learned anything though, it seems like I still rush around as much as I ever did! 

I feel all this pressure from the world to be a super mom, and too many times I expect my boys to be super children.

My boys are not super children, and I am not super mom. It's not cool to say, but there are times when I can't do it all, and that's fine. That time was today. I don't feel well, and the boys are feeling jittery because it's been raining ALL DAY. It's supposed to be this way all week.

The thought of that almost makes me sick. So when Bo spilled my chia seeds all over my carpet, I had to take inventory. Here's what I came up with:

I will not freak out.

If my chores don't get done today, who cares!

We are going to play games.

I am going to slow down, because life is too short.

I am going to relax and be the mom I want to be, regardless of the world's expectations.

What do they expect? I'm SO GLAD you asked!

They expect children to sit still for hours; if they don't, they must be put on medication.

They expect children to be dressed to the hilt; if they aren't, shame on you, mom!

They expect mothers to have a Pinterest approved home. Shame on you!

They expect children to always have shoes on, shirts on, never dirty. Never putting rocks or sand in their mouths. "They're neglected." SHAME!

They expect children to be never scolded, or disciplined. "That's abuse!" Shame, shame!

They expect mothers to be so much, and do so much, at the expense of the children. Shamey shame, shame, shame!

So much shaming going on.

 Too many times, those people who are shaming struggling mothers aren't so far removed from us.

Too many times it's those in our own close circles.

Too many times it's me, asking too much of others, asking too much of myself.

Lord help me that I'll slow down and enjoy the little blessings that I've been given.

Help me not to be that person who rushes around but never gets anything done.

Help me to be an understanding friend, and to never shame others.

Help me to stop, and take the time to play in the rain.