We all go through different seasons and our kids do as well. With Summer being on the horizon, our kiddos are at home with us or even in camp, and we often begin to notice more things concerning our kids than we did before. Sometimes, you can even feel angry or easily triggered by your kids.
There is no reason to feel any guilt. We all go through that. Here are a few reasons why you may feel angry or easily triggered by your kids.
Your Outlook on Life
As a mom, you may feel that where you are right now, could be further along. You could have desired to accomplish more in your life at this age or be more established to better provide for your kids. You could have envisioned your life totally different than where it is right now or that you were not in alignment with your goals. That’s okay.
Your kid(s) are looking up to you, for love, for hugs, for comfort. They want a healed and happy mama. You have to understand that you are doing the best you can for them and yourself everyday while your dependence is on God to provide and protect. Show yourself grace.
Your Role In Discipline
When your kid(s) throw tantrums or act out whether in public or the household. It is like a drop in the stomach, and that is because you begin to question the way your home is structured. Daily routines, honor, respect, daily habits. We tend to take these situations personally because we feel it is a reflection of us as a mom and parent. Our children have their own personality, and journey that they are on. We are there to train them, guide them and nurture them.
We expect them to act perfect and listen all the time and when they don’t hold up to our expectations or how we conducted ourselves as a child, we tend to get frustrated, snappy and annoyed. Kids are kids. However, there is an approach that you can take with them to really understand the root of their action. Don’t take it personally, but talk with them to understand their needs. There is always a core reason for the “acting out”.
Your Cup Is Half Full or Empty
When you are running on fumes, burnt out from all the responsibilities of motherhood and you are not filling your cup, that can result in irritability and frustration. Imagine working all day, preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner, putting kids to bed preparing for the next day and doing nothing for yourself to fill up, refresh or rest. That is exhausting.
I believe every mom should have a self care routine. Whether that is spending a little more time in the bathroom getting ready for the day. Sitting in a quiet room in prayer and meditation. Listening to your favorite uplifting music, going for a walk. Whatever it is to get you tuned back in to you. It is vital! You have to take care of yourself. Our kids sense when we are upset, mad, sad and unhappy. We want to ensure that we are showing up healthy, refreshed and prepared for them and the day. That takes you pouring back into yourself.
To sum it up, the best step you can take forward is getting to the core of your anger and frustration. That means taking intentional time and asking yourself, “why am I angry about this situation right now?” “Why do I feel triggered by this behavior?” Write it out and give it to God that he can begin to transform you in this area.
Prayer
Father, I thank You for being a God who sees me, who knows the thoughts that I think even when I don’t have the strength to say them aloud. You understand the weight I carry, the weariness, the overwhelm, the moments when exhaustion overflows into frustration and anger. You see the tears I cry in silence and the guilt that often comes along with it.
Lord, I bring it all to You. I surrender the guilt, the shame, the pressure to be perfect. I lay down my anger, my short temper, and frustration. I ask You to meet me in this space with Your healing grace and mercy.
Cleanse my heart Father, renew my mind, and transform me from the inside out. Fill me with the fullness of Christ. Empower me, when I feel stretched thin. Let Your love overflow when mine feels empty.
Help me show up with grace for myself, my children, and my home. Let me parent not from pressure, but from presence, not from fear, but from faith.
Thank You for guiding me by your Holy Spirit. Thank You that even now, I am held by You.
In Jesus name, Amen
I hope this has been an encouragement to you today. What is one small, but powerful thing you can do today to reconnect with yourself, not just as a mom, but as the woman behind the role, so you can honor the amazing job you’re doing on this journey of motherhood?” Write it out and take the step today. Be blessed.