I am working on this one.
I am not trying to attract attention, but maybe I am.
I am trying to attract like mindedness with my kid, who at the moment (this morning), is frustrating me. He has a very strong will and so do I and I’m the mama so I have seniority and tenure, as if that means anything. I find that when I react in a negative way (think yelling and threatening to take away everything he desires), I attract negative behavior back. He mimics me or I mimic him or maybe we mimic each other.
I am practicing staying calm and focused on being kind and firm as I guide him and I together on our shared trajectory. I have so many things to still teach him and to learn myself, at least that is my intention. I am hoping that if I stay calm and don’t overreact, that he’ll mimic me and listen and learn about cause and effect and make good choices too. I am still learning and practicing repetition, breathing and patience. I know it works. It just takes time to practice and it isn’t easy and it’s work. UGH.
All good things take work. I’ll keep practicing and loving on him as we grow up together, one day, one hug at a time. I’ll check back with you in 7 years and let you know how this little experiment turns out. 🙂
nAMaste
here i am 
Hang in there! Just know that all us moms and parents share your journey and frustrations. Parenting is not easy by any means, but those priceless moments sometimes happen in the midst of all the “yuck.” You are a good and kind and loving parent and role model, your children are learning how to be human and push their boundaries so the know what their (and other people’s) limits are. It is hard to be firm and hold the line, but your kids will be better off when they understand that the boundaries are consistent and what the consequences are.
Stay strong mama! And know I am thinking of you with love and compassion and understanding.
Sleep well! Love, Kris
Thanks, Sister! We are in this together. I really appreciate your insights and thoughtfulness.
That’s the thing with kids…you won’t know if you’ve done a good job (for real) until they are functioning adults! That’s a long time to wait!! 😉
Stick with it…just breathe…and, a little Mama dog ‘bark’ every once in a while is actually useful. 🙂
Thanks for supporting me!! I have to hold on for the ride!!