Tis the season for whining, crying, complaining and more. It’s summer time! Usually that means fun in the sun, but if you and you’re kids are like mine, meaning they strive on downtime, structure, and routine; I’ve got some timely tips to help you and your kids ease into summer! In fact, you could be the next ‘child whisperer’ among your peers!
STOP and HALT
No I’m not talking about stop signs, I’m talking about listening to the instincts that God has graciously instilled in us as mothers.
Okay, so you’re trying to get stuff checked off on that fabulous to-do list when you hear screaming and fighting for the millionth time today, let’s STOP before we yell at our kids.
Step away from the situation: stepping away allows our tempers to cool and for us to take a few deep breaths before going back into the action with a clear head.
Think: What is it about the situation that is driving you batty? Has it tripped your trigger?
What is the objective? Identify your objective before heading in, are you going to discuss kind hands or sharing?
Pray before heading in. Praying releases the situation into God’s hands and reminds us our strength comes from Him, as well as patience, sanity, and our cute kids! I pray often. If not constantly as I want to show them who Jesus is, what compassion is and reminds me that kind words bring peace, words in anger stir up dissension.
This method works very well for me in times of heightened stress on top of my spirited kiddos. Especially when we tend to get out of our routines with those long summer nights–chasing fireflies 🙂
Another tip to help with the season of summer fun, is what my friend Karla titles as HALT. We were discussing the terrible three’s when she advised us of what she has been doing with her kids. I love the idea so much that I’ve been doing it with my own. It helps remind me that my kids have needs and creates a renewed compassion in my heart, especially when I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
The next time your child is driving you bonkers, stop and try to identify what her issue is; is she Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. These are the basic needs our little ones have. When we identify and address the issue plaguing them, they will turn back into our sweet little angels that we know and love; plus add life to our dwindling sanity during the hot long summers.
So when you were attempting just another trip to the mall, grocery store, or the pool, remember STOP and HALT!
Let’s begin the conversation today, what do YOU do to avoid the meltdowns? What advice has a mentor shared with you that you would like to pass on? Hugs to you all sweet moms!
Stephanie Shott is the founder of The M.O.M. Initiative, a ministry devoted to making mentoring intentionally missional. She is an author and a popular speaker who helps women live full, fearless and faithful lives. To invite Stephanie to speak at your next event, visit her website at www.stephanieshott.com. To find out more about The M.O.M. Initiative or to begin a M.O.M. Mentor Group, visit www.themominitiative.com.
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