Out of Routine & Crazy

It’s been a week! You know what I’m talking about, right!! Seems that I have had a little less patience this week, with everyone. So I really started to ask myself, why do I feel like this? Why can I not have more patience with the kids? Sure my son follows me around being very loud, and whiny, challenging everything I say and do. My 5 year old is mad at me for picking out pants that she does not want to wear today because they are not her favorite color. These are all normal things. So why is it making me crazy this week? 

Along with all the normal Mom duties like cleaning , cooking, and taking care of the littles, the holiday season sets us Mamas into turbo mode. Or at least it does for me. Instead of doing my daily routine of washing a load of laundry, picking up the house a bit and then taking on whatever else needs to be done on the acreage, my son and I  have gone out Christmas shopping a few times to look for deals at thrift stores. While I truly enjoy the search for gifts, it has really taken a toll on my routine for the house, and for my family. I found that the reason I’m more on edge this week is because I’m out of my routine. It’s amazing how much routine can keep you sane! Being out of routine for littles can do the same thing. (Before I had kids, I really did not think routine was that important , boy was I wrong!!!)  I was racking my brain this week on why the kids are whiny and seem to be at each other more, and I think it’s because they are out of their routine. We have so many fun things to do this time of year, and even though we would not change all the fun things we are doing, we need to have extra patience for ourselves and for our littles. 

How am I going to remember to have more patience? How can I make sure that I stay sane and calm for my family? How do I keep this time of the year fun and magical for them?

These are all questions I’ve been asking myself. 

My solution is to calm myself first, and show my kids how to do the same. This could be as easy as showing them to take a breath, or teach them how to let out their frustration in a healthy way, or take a day and let them be in their routine. This last one is hard for me. 

When I know I have things to do, I want to get them done as soon as I can. RIght now I know there are a few more presents I need to get. It’s really hard for me today to just stay home and not go out and try to find these so I can check them off my list. But I know for myself – I will feel better if I concentrate on getting the house in order, and having a day at home in my routine. For my son, he needs a day of just being at home, relaxing, and being back in his routine so that he can reset. 

In this season, please be kind to yourself. Be extra patient with our littles, because as they are so excited for the fun things this season brings, they are also out of their routines. They do not know how to deal with this feeling of overwhelm, and it usually comes out in behaviors. Let’s all support other parents, be understanding if someone can not make an event because they need to have a day with their family at home. 

People can be very selfish this time of year, and may make you feel bad for not doing every event that they want you to do. Please know that your health and sanity is much more important than going to an event!! Do not be bullied into anything. You take care of you and your family first!

Lots of prayers for patience, acceptance, joy, understanding, and grace for all. 

-Kristy