Advice on Patience!

Hi T., Like I said in another post of your's, my children are just about the same ages, and let me tell you, if we are at home all day it's like a zoo. We tend to go out A LOT. They act so much better in public, lol! I'm just up winton road from you. I wouldn't mind meeting at the park sometime.

Chelle

It's easy to lose your patience with children, especially when you have 4 of them! Getting the kids out of the house on a daily basis helps tremendously. Weather it be a park, the mall, a pool, or just a walk around your neighborhood or street. It seems that too much time in the house gets kids bored and then they tend to wear on your nerves. At least that's the case with my kids. Also, when I feel myself losing patience and feeling at the end of my rope I immediately stop what I am doing, close my eyes, take a deep breath, and think about what my life would be like if I lost them. It will make you appreciate all of the whining, begging, why's, and so on. You have to also take time away so that you miss them and appreciate them more. Try to take 1 night a week and go out. Go shopping, out to dinner with a friend, or even a simple pedicure can help. Anything away from home diverting your attention from the kids. Hope that helps, good luck!

My advice is join a gym with a playspace. I go to Fitworks in Forest Park. I get to focus on my health and get some stress out and my daughter gets to play like a crazy person for a hour or so and get some energy out. Time apart is a good thing. Also planned activities like coloring, play dough, and finger paints, etc. with you giving them your time and involved can really pay off in the long run. They get to play with you and aren't yelling for your attention. They will be more willing to give you time to clean or have a moment to yourself. I also like going to local community pool during the day - you met other stay at home mom's and again the kids burn energy. One on one time with each child once every two weeks or so may also help to make the kids feel they have your undivided attention, just them, and you get to know your child without another pulling you away. But most important don't forget that you need time to yourself to recharge your batteries and miss your kids. If your husband or a family member can give you just one night a week or every two weeks for you to lock yourself in the bedroom and just do your nails or watch TV will help a lot. Plus then the Dad gets to have time with the kids and apprieciates your job as mom a little more.

Hi T.
I sure can sympathize with you. I have 4 kids myself but thank God they are older. Patience run thin when you tend to be in a hurry about things and have no time for yourself. I believe you have to be organize and consistent with them. Kids love responsibilties. Even if they don't do it the way you would have that is ok. Praise them and they will want to help more. Set the schedule for bedtime and stick with it. Allow them to understand what will happen if they do not obey with the set rules. Then follow thru. I personally get up early for the time to myself. Start your day with a few minutes of quiet moments and thank God for another day. When things get rough stop for a moment close your eyes and take a deep breath. But most importantly learn to laugh and have fun. See life thru the eyes of your children. Have special time for just them. Act silly, who cares, that will help release a lot of tension. My prayers are with you. I know everything will get better.
D.