I’ve been analyzing my control issues and I think I’m on to something.
Shortly after my introduction to the world of motherhood, I realized I had far less control over my children than I previously imagined, but I wasn’t ready to admit it. My worst mothering days were the days I expended all my energy expressing my frustration toward my kids for not behaving or performing the way I wanted them to.
- Child, WHY are you peeing on the floor and not on the toilet?
- Why is your handwriting so messy?
- Why are you not staying in your bed?
And then I would want to talk in great length about how angry, frustrated and disappointed I was. I can take beating a dead horse to a whole new level.
My immediate response is to yell at my kids. I hate that about myself. I think it’s because I feel like it’s the one way I can control the situation. As if I actually was controlling anything in that moment.
Crystal, from MoneySavingMom has been writing about yelling at her children less.
One of the big things I need to let go of is how easily I resort to trying to control my kids by using my anger. I’m pretty sure I’m not completely alone in this. Can you relate?
I can definitely relate to the self hate when I find myself using anger to control or manipulate my child. And it’s usually about the dumbest things, for me. I believe I have spent half my life as a parent waiting for Abby to either get into or get out of the car. If I lose my mind, it will be in the middle of asking her for the umpteenth time to tell me her story once she has gotten out of the car!
I believe we might have similar spirited children who love to talk. It’s so endearing in other people’s children 🙂