“Tactful and patient parenting make for happy childhood memories, and help build confidence among children”
happypinaymommy.com
The above quote is my note to self whenever I am becoming a nega nanay. Sometimes when I am too tired I get cranky and start to nag my eldest about the mess she has created or how her little cabinet looks like, or how their toy chest is filled to the brim. My litany (and voice haha) could sometimes rival that of Vangie Labalan in one of her movies whenever she nags her borders on and on and on about the mess in the boarding house (Sorry na, batang 90s!).
I tend to snap at the “little borders” sometimes too during those days I am saddled with back to back to back chores and the kids are being too rambunctious. And like those Koreanovela moms that I watch, i sometimes complain too with a hiss or a growl or whatever that funny sound they make when they are frustrated (you know this if you have seen a Koreanovela especially Reply 1988) with housework.
The journey to better parenting
So what I do really is try to keep my mouth shut when am frustrated about the mess they created, tired with all the chores, stressed with all their fighting amongst each other, or just plainly drained. I might say things out of sheer frustration, and later on I would regret it.
My dad always says that it is better to keep one’s mouth shut than say things that can hurt other people. He said no matter how sorry you are you can never take back the pain you’ve inflicted. So when I am quiet already, the kids and the mister already know better, and would start to behave themselves.
The magic of downtime for moms
Also, early bedtime helps! By making the kids ready for bed by 8, I can already watch TV and relax early on (unless someone beat mo to it to watch UFC or whatever, but hey just being in the couch is fine with me too!). Early rest helps me recharge for the next day, and keeps me from being cranky early in the morning
Lately, I discovered resting every after two chores to “refill my tank.” I wrote about it earlier this week or was that last week? It is helpful in generally enjoying mothering life. It helps any cranky tired mama become a better and gentler mom.
Leaning on Jesus
Lastly, I pray for it everyday. I pray for strength to serve the whole family without feeling cranky. I pray for patience, and I pray for God’s grace to help me become a better mom. Setting aside time for bible devotion is really helpful, because as they say Tao lang naman tayong napapagod. So let us ask for the grace to become better at parenting, and He will surely listen.
So cheers to us Happy Pinay Mommies! We can do this!