Motherhood is Making Me Crazy!

All mothers can relate to the word crazy. It doesn’t matter the level of our income, what kind of car we drive, or what our ethnicity; our children can make us feel like we’re going crazy!

It is funny how different our exteriors are, yet our interiors are so alike. All children are not perfect. They are little bundles of joy one moment, and terrors the next. All moms have different situations with their little angels, but we all have the same pain in our hearts when we feel inadequate. Our little one may have a sleeping problem, jaundice, learning problems, or a major medical problem that affects your entire surroundings. It is up to us to show everything whose boss and who is tough enough for anything.

What’s a mom to do? First, ask yourself about the problem and by all means take a breath. There is no foul if you’re crying throughout these steps. All of us usually are.  Bear in mind, all problems have a solution or adjustments that come close to an answer. Next, as you analyze this problem, remind yourself to breathe. We take care of so much on such a low level of oxygen. It’s time for moms to practice taking breathing breaks. Last, remind yourself that no matter what, everything will turn our fine.

As you are up late at night with a baby who seems to never stop crying, remind yourself that this will pass. Try to think about how it might be the last time you get to rock with them late and find your soothing voice to calm the savage beast.

During the time that you are sitting near or rocking a child sick with a fever, take a deep breath and remember that this young age will end. Before you know it, you’ll be attending college visitations. Think of or Google things that will help cool them and make them more comfortable. Try putting a cool wash cloth on their forehead or the back of their neck. Hum your favorite nursery rhyme. Yes, you could play it on your phone, but your child will find peace quicker just from hearing your voice.

It may be day three of the terrible awful tantrum that your child likes to throw and it is always in a grocery store or somewhere in public. First, be aware that every mom has gone through one themselves so release yourself from feeling embarrassed and if others do give you a look, just ignore them. Remind yourself that these tantrums will end as long as you stick to a consequence when you return home.

There’s nothing like a child having their favorite game or toy taken to put them back on track. However, as they are in the midst of their tantrum, be sure to show how calm and at peace you are. This vision of you will help them find their calming point. If anything, it keeps your blood pressure low. Whispering to them in a calm voice what you want them to do is a perfect start. Alongside, remind them that you understand they are upset which helps them feel validated.

Once they feel heard and respected, they will come out of their tantrum and come back to reality. Staying calm is key. Using this calm attitude at home when they lose privileges is crucial. A wonderful thing to think about is how you will spend all this time when the tantrum phase ends. Think about all the shopping, resting, and relaxing you have coming as you venture through this situation.

Your craziness may be happening in the morning and ruining the beginning of every day. Every morning feels like you live in chaos while everyone runs around trying to get ready for school and work; it’s making everyone cranky and crazy. You’re always rushing and late. Do yourself a favor and buy a pizza, have everyone eat at the coffee table with the television off, and lay down the law.

While they are stuffing their faces, tell them the changes you want. Tell them no television until their clothes are laid out for the next day and their shoes with their backpacks are at the front door. Tell them that they need to organize the kitchen for breakfast the next morning before they go to bed. Remind them that you are the keeper of the modem and it will be turned off until everyone does their work. Have them set out bowls for cereal or the toaster ready for waffles with the utensils ready. Remind them that these are the new rules and if they are not followed you will simply turn off the modem. You will see things change fairly quickly. Stick to your plan and start enjoying your mornings!

So, no matter what scenario you are living through, find the problem, analyze it, and think of a solution. Let the tears out and remember to give your lungs some air. More importantly, try to see their cute faces during all the craziness. Before you know it, they’ll be leaving the nest.