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April 7, 2008

Smooth Sailing Ahead

So, a break down was imminent. I could feel it brewing, like a hurricane, right behind my eyeballs. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately, like I'm starting out each day with a deficit. A deficit of patience, of time. My last thought going to sleep was my to do list, my first thing waking up was the same. All I could think of was all I need to do, am not doing, and the gobs of things just over the horizon waiting to be done.

Ever feel like that? That you're dropping balls all over the place, nobody's really getting all they need from you and you haven't got even a sliver left to give them? AND this is only the first leg of the race? Nothing tests your sanity quite like that.

Thank goodness for a sane husband, who could see the problem for what it really is. My boys have gotten woefully undisciplined. A combination of vacation time, grandparents, cousins around to play with, and just a little neglect on our part. Things have gotten chaotic. I have been constantly breaking up fusses, saying "no, no, NO!!!" and in general being harried and pestered and worn to a nub. This one part of the formula has been throwing off everything else in my life.

And I kept thinking, I've just got to deal. "Gotta deal" became a mantra I'd use to tell myself I could handle it. I thought the problem was my inability to cope, but that's not it at all! I AM up to the task! WHEW! I was really feeling in over my head. Luckily, my husband knows me better than I do, and he could see what was really happening.

I had accepted that this was just the way life was going to be, because I have young boys. But I shouldn't have asked that of myself, because my job as a mother is not to be a martyr to chaos. I'm not supposed to weather the bad behavior just because they are rambunctious boys. I can (and should) expect a certain peace in my house, aside from their natural energy. My husband reminded me that I know how to restore that peace, by consistent and diligent attention to the misbehavior. That I AM the captain of this boat, but I've been handing the wheel over to the mischievous deckhands.

So, it's Bootcamp week for the Trisler boys. I sat them down and explained it this morning, that we've gotten a little crazy around here, and we need to get back to normal. That if they break this rule, they can expect this reaction from me. So far, we're off to a good start. I haven't had to keelhaul anybody yet.

Being reminded that children don't just have to run wild was the kick I needed. I totally know that, but it got shuffled to the back of my mind somehow. I feel much better with a plan of action, with a loving reminder from King Pen, and a fresh, new week to sail into calmer waters.

Anyway, just an update on things 'round these parts.

Child of Mine | By WonderGirl | 2:35 PM

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Comments

Posted by: sarah at April 7, 2008 4:04 PM

Posted by: amy v at April 7, 2008 4:14 PM

Posted by: Aunt Vickie at April 7, 2008 5:23 PM

Posted by: Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt at April 7, 2008 5:33 PM

Posted by: Denise at April 8, 2008 11:50 AM

Posted by: WG at April 8, 2008 1:19 PM

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