Does anyone else feel like they snap at their children too much when they are stressed? I know its not my kids fauld but I get so grouchy when I am stressed. ( hubby serving in Iraq, home alone with 4 year old & 3 week old)
2006-12-15 14:56:50 · 12 answers · asked by honeybear 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I'm not mean to them nor do I abuse them!
2006-12-15 14:59:59 · update #1
Hey, we all have our times. Right now you are essentially a single mother and that in itself is hard. But on top of it all your children are young and you are at home worrying about your husband. I don't envy you, but I do appreciate your sacrifices.
I have five children myself...two are young twins. I get stressed too. You need to get someone to watch those children once a week and get out. Go sit at a coffee shop, get a massage, window shop...whatever it is that you enjoy. Even if you can get a neighborhood teen to come over while you lock yourself in the bathroom for an hour. Make sure you get time to yourself or you will gradually snap more and more.
God bless you and yours.
2006-12-15 15:24:30 · answer #1 · answered by zinntwinnies 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
number 1 see if you can enlist help from a friend or family member to watch them for even half an hour at least once a week. So you can get time for yourself.
number 2 if you feel yourself getting snappy take a deep breath and think a happy taught. Something funny, Some wonderful memory. Then go back to what you were saying you will notice the snappiness will be have disappeared.
Most important is number 1!!!! You need a little time for just you with out having to worry about the kids.
Number 3) seek out other women who's husbands are also deployed this bonding and understanding willl help.
Hope he comes home soon!!
2006-12-16 05:30:30 · answer #2 · answered by wondermom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may or may not apply to you- I quit drinking coffee! I only drank a cup or 2 in the morning. Later in the day, I would start to wear down and get grouchy and snap at my children. After I cut out coffee as a crutch (I still will have it occasionally as a treat, but NOT to start my day) my moods seemed to mellow a lot. Obviously, your plate is very full-take time for your self, even just a few quiet minutes a day. When things get to crazy at the house, strap the 4yr old in a stroller or let him walk, put the bambino in a sling or carrier on your chest, and take a walk! It may be freezing where you are-so what! make it short and brisk all of you will come home with a refreshed perspective. I'm rooting for you!
2006-12-16 01:43:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acknowleding that you have a problem is the first step toward correcting it. Keep a journal on the kitchen counter. Every time you snap, write down the date, time, and what triggered it. Eventually, you will be able to look at your journal and be able to avoid your triggers and you will be able to give yourself a pat on the back...wow I have got 2 whole days without snapping, I am getting better. Make small goals for yourself....no snapping for 3 days and you take kids to the movies or something.
The point is snapping is a habit just like anything else. It can be monitored, measured, reprogrammed and eventually extinguished...it just depends how hard you REALLY want to work at it!
2006-12-16 03:28:36 · answer #4 · answered by Jen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am the same way. Im a stay at home mom, and sometimes I get really stressed out and snap at my kids for no reason. And it makes me feel really bad. I started to go in my romm for a couple minutes to relax and it helps out. or while the kids are napping I do something that calms me. like you said its not the kids faught, just try different things that can un stress you and see how it works
2006-12-15 23:01:43 · answer #5 · answered by kristinad21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 5yr old and a 9mo old. I always find myself snapping at the oldest.. your patience is worn thin. My husband and I work completely opposite shifts and I am always alone with the children. Try to do fun things with the kids, plan a craft or story time and give lots of positive reinforcement. If you do snap.. apologize.
2006-12-15 23:00:56 · answer #6 · answered by iampatsajak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will forgive you for snapping. We are all human. Mothers from the
beginning of time have been stressed and of course, it is hard not to snap
once in a while. Give yourself some slack. Guilt doesn't help anything. It
just clouds your judgment. Relax and pamper yourself once in a while.
A nice hot bath does wonders for jangled nerves. Call your mom. She
knows how you feel.
2006-12-15 23:03:16 · answer #7 · answered by sunnymommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand-I have a 19 month old son and am 30 weeks pregnant with my 2nd son.My son is at the age where he likes to test me on everything.He throws a fit getting his diaper changed,going to bed,getting dressed,eating-I get soooo stressed.
But then I stop to think that the years will go by so fast and he will be a teen and adult and not need mommy anymore.And I will miss these days-trying as they can be.So enjoy your time-and take some deep breaths when you get upset.
2006-12-15 23:01:51 · answer #8 · answered by mama of 2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh honey, did you have your youngest while your hubby was away? You should try to be easy about things, even when life is stressful. Your kids pick up on your mood, and the whole house will be cranky if you let your actions be controlled by your crankiness.
2006-12-15 23:06:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe some vodka will help?? Just kidding.. Just try and be a kid yourself. Get into their little imaginary world.
Anyway, don't even worry about snapping at your kids. Kids are very resilient... it ain't going to put them through therapy or anything.
2006-12-16 00:30:39 · answer #10 · answered by Cristina v 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋