Sometimes, even Moms need a time-out.Have you caught yourself about to answer your child in a tone that you would surely rather not be using? I have. That's when I realized that as a Mom; sometimes I need a time-out, too!
Take today for instance, it seems every time I ask my son to do something, his response is the reason why it should be done differently. Even though I generally encourage independent thinking and learning, today of all days, I just wish he would listen to me and do it my way. Do you ever have days like this?
Is it that I have taken the wrong "mothering" approach? Have I allowed him to be "too" independent? Or, is it simply that I just need a little bit of a time-out? It may actually be a combination of all of these, but for now, I will concentrate on the benefits of the time-out.
1. Give yourself some space. By allowing yourself a time-out, you give yourself some space from the situation to think more clearly. You and your child both have time to calm down and then discuss the situation later or move on.
2. Get a new attitude. After you have thought a bit more clearly, give yourself a pep-talk. A confidence boosting one will usually do the trick. With your new found attitude, you will be able to handle anything.
3. Divert dear girl. Another approach after you have had a breather and gotten your new attitude in gear, do not go right back into the same place that put you in need of a time-out in the first place. (Can you say avoidance?) Anyway, start fresh. Groove to some music with your child or go outside and play. Do something active. This will provide a needed release for you both and lighten the mood.
Do you ever need a time-out? If so, please share so I know it is not just me.
Photo credit © Susan Law Cain | Dreamstime.com
You are not alone, a time-out is often good for all of us. It helps also with the hubby, the not-so-nice customer service staff at the store/bank/etc. :)
Kiva - Great advice!
I definitely need time outs from my grandson. In fact, he recently suggested that I have not only a time out but a calming cup of green tea because I was "going crazy" on him when the things he was doing were really "only a little bit bad" (teasing the dogs, getting dirty handprints on my newly painted walls, and turning the television up to top volume while I was on the phone).