I've always known I wasn't the most patient person, but lately I've come to realize I don't seem to possess an ounce of the stuff! Why can't my kids just listen to me the FIRST time I ask/tell them to do/stop doing something? It really would make life easier. However, this is not likely to happen, at least before they turn 30. So, how do I learn patience? Hmmm.... that is what I have been trying to figure out.
So far, I have discovered I can learn something from my children. I need to take more cues from them and go with their flow. Not mine. I have to give up my idea of how the day should go, and plan it around them. This is not easy for me. I came into this whole SAHM thing thinking I would have more time for things like laundry, picture albums, Christmas cards, etc. I am finding out this is not true. (And if anyone says I told you so I will scream). I am discovering this is a whole new kind of job. It's not "watching," the kids while my husband is at work. It's not "hanging out," with the kids all day. It actually requires a lot of planning and yes, patience. So far, I believe I am failing miserably at both. Our days have been peppered with whining, nagging, yelling, time outs, and frustration. But I think I may be figuring out some things for myself. Some things that are going to help me "turn this ship around," as someone I know often says. I am going to try this new approach, treating this like a full time job. The pay isn't great, but the rewards I will receive, are more than worth the effort.
So, here goes nothin'. I will keep you posted.
i hear you girl! It is definitely a change going from working to "working" at home...you're not staying at home getting things done that's for sure! I love your blog and find it a relief that someone else if feeling the same way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emily - I know it helps to know other moms feel the same. It's hard making the transition. No one can tell you how it's going to be, you have to figure it out for yourself. I wish we were closer so we could get together more often! You and Josh and the kids will have to come visit our new place.
ReplyDeleteI found this after finding Emily's blog...we went to hs together. I have a lot of trouble in the patience department, too--and I've been doing this for 5 years (no real job before I had my oldest daughter). You're definitely not the only one feeling this way!
ReplyDelete