Overcoming the Rush

Week day mornings can be such a rush.  I forget, in the process of getting everyone out the door in a timely manner, to enjoy the moment.  I try to ease the need to rush, by preparing outfits and backpacks the night before.  However, it never seems to really quell the panic.

Luckily, Charlotte is a lot like me.  When I say a lot, I mean just like me lol.  So I know what makes her tick, how to keep her moving, and when to put my foot down.  In return, she somehow knows just what to say or do when I feel like we aren’t going to get out the door in time.  Don’t get me wrong, I love all 3 of my kids so much.  They are all so different and that’s great!  I cherish their differences in personality, but that also means sometimes we don’t mix.  My oldest and I can be like oil and water sometimes, yet other times I know exactly what she’s feeling.  My son is so sweet and compassionate, but he also knows just what to do to slow me down which can also drive me nuts.

In these moments, where I could be at my worst, I try to remember to take a breath.  No one aspires to be that raging mommy.  I’m not perfect, and I definitely do have my moments where I feel like the chaos is going to swallow me whole.  When the noise level rises and I can’t think straight.  It can happen often because lets face it, between dogs and kids I am SEVERELY outnumbered.  There is always someone or something vying for my attention.  Even once the kids are down for the night, the fur babies get me alone to themselves, one at a time.  And anyone with pets can attest to the fact that fur babies can be just as mischievous as human children.

So what’s a parent to do?? Well, first take a deep breath.  Then I find something for them to do, and I’m not gonna lie here I’m gonna be real about this.  I start listing off the chores that haven’t been done.  Because you and I both know that there are always chores to be done.  When the chores are done, then I reward.  Tablet time, a treat, reading together, playing outside or taking a walk.  I shamelessly bribe my kids.  Shamelessly.  But, I also will take away whatever I have to when they step out of line.  If that means that my 12-year-old is the only 12-year-old on the bus without a device, so be it.  If that means that one of them misses out on the next Disney/Pixar movie I rent from Redbox, oh darn.  In this house, you work for what you want to have and what you want to keep.  I will take a pair a Ugg boots away if they are not being kept properly.  We can have nice things, as long as we do the things necessary to enjoy them.  I just don’t want these kids growing up thinking they can do whatever they want and have whatever they want.  They need to know how to be responsible.

These kids have become far more enjoyable when they have a clear idea of my expectations.  I feel that is the most important thing, that they are aware of what they need to do and what will happen if they aren’t pulling their weight.  My greatest goal is to raise happy, healthy humans who aren’t entitled.  They are my beautiful legacy, and so we can have more fun beautiful moments together regardless of what we are doing because they know what to expect from me.

Dress / Leggings / Shoes

What do my Dreamers think works best when it comes to your littles?? Drop me a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

XO, Meg