It was one of those days when I had so many errands that had to get done and tired, cranky kids to go with me. I wasn’t looking forward to it. Tired, cranky children usually result in overstimulated children who melt down. We were in JoAnn’s to pick up some supplies. We always spend way too much time there when we go. My children are fascinated with all of the supplies as they brainstorm new projects to make. As usual, my children were taking their time.
I was about to ask my daughter to hurry up so that we could get through our errands and thus possibly avoid the dreaded melt down. I caught myself just in time, as I watched my little daughter. I realized I was stressed out about something that hadn’t even happened. Why was I allowing myself to get worked up over this? I took a deep breath and let myself be in the moment. At that moment, everyone was in a good mood, we were having great conversations, and everyone was happy.
We got through all of our errands…without any melt-downs, I might add. It was a great day. The only thing that had changed was my perspective. I had followed my children’s lead.
I read in a book one time that if you truly enjoy being a parent, you should be very thankful for those children who stretch your parenting skills. I truly belive that. I have grown so much as a person since becoming a parent.
