Tips My Grandma Shared With Me

TIP# 1: FEELING FRUSTRATED

Sometimes I am at my whits end with the everyday hustle and bustle, hurry and get this, do that, and of course that needy husband (kid #3). Sometimes it is just too overwhelming and you feel like your going to cry (I certainly do). Crying is a way to release stress versus lashing out in anger towards the ones you love. It is okay to cry, we all do it for many reasons, and to de-stress is a good reason to let it all out. At the end of the day you will feel rejuvenated and glad you didn't lash out and hurt your kiddos feelings.

TIP# 2: DON'T BE HARD ON YOURSELF

My oldest son is constantly needing me to watch him do something or sit with him and I am okay with that. But sometimes, because mom duties call, I cannot do this and I feel guilty and get upset inside. I tend to come down on myself because I cannot always give my full undivided attention to him (after-all I have 2 kids, not including the husband lol) and I have things to get accomplished. I have finally realized that my son and I will survive without constant “needing” of me. It is okay for me to take a step back, breathe and get the things I need to do done, without feeling guilty all the time.

TIP# 3: USING THE WORD “NO”

When my kids were younger (ages 3&4) I did not have a set of rules per-say or boundaries (wrong thing to do). But now I realize that and I know that it is a necessity. In order for them to learn how to deal with what life gives them and how to grasp rules, saying “no” sometimes isn't such a bad thing after-all. Sure, your younger kids may throw a fit or the older ones may stomp out of the room (I have one of those) but you are teaching them rules, respect, and boundaries.

TIP# 4: GROCERY SHOP WITHOUT THEM

Normally, I am grocery shopping with my kids and that is a task let em tell you! One in the cart and the other walking. I can't think and maintain focus on what I have to buy as one kid is asking for things while the other is pulling things off of the shelf and throwing it in the cart. It is draining (I am sure you have felt this way many times) and you end up with things you didn't need. Try shopping without the kids. Get a sitter or ask someone you know to watch them just for an hour. I left my kids with my mother in law one day and I managed to shop without the constant interruptions. You wouldn't believe  how fast I was able to shop in peace! Now that I have accomplished shopping in serenity, I have made this a weekly routine to shop alone.

TIP# 5: ASK FOR HELP

Asking your family or friends for help is not always a bad thing. In fact, when you ask for help, it brings the family circle together and creates unity. Sometimes being a mom is draining and it is okay to ask for help with the laundry, grocery shopping, babysitting, or running errands. By asking for help it allows you to have a break that is needed. Moms' don't get breaks so take the advantage when you have the opportunity for a little help.

Do you have any tips? Share them with us.

Written by: Brydie Clark