There are times when, as you go through your day, you’ll feel like the world is out to get you: a playdate with a friend from a Montessori school in California is canceled, a dish breaks, your kids are arguing with their siblings. And then one of your little ones innocently places the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Your terrible temper comes out for a moment; you yell at your children in frustration. As you huff away, you leave stunned kids in your wake—and a load of guilt on your shoulders.
If you feel terrible for always running on a short fuse with your tots and preschoolers, you are not alone. It happens even to the most patient and most understanding of parents. Strengthening that patience muscle is key to becoming the best parents you can be for your children. As a children’s Montessori center in Anaheim, California, we understand that it can be a brick to build, but build it you must. So, we have here simple ways to help you lengthen the ropes of your patience:
- Re-energize.
Make it a point to grab the opportunity to take a break every once in a while (especially when the opportunity presents itself). Be aware of your limits so that you can keep yourselves together even when it feels like you’re about to explode.
- Have realistic expectations and keep a wide-angle perspective.
Remind yourselves to take a step back and to see your kids as actual human beings, as the kids that they are, with legitimate needs and concerns.
- Forgive yourselves and your children.
Ultimately, this is what keeps many parents from sinking into the abyss of despair. Apologize when you screw up and use your mistakes as evidence of your own flawed humanity. Even owning up to your imperfections can form part of your kids’ early education.
Should you need additional tips for those times when your patience is running low, don’t think twice about calling Anaheim Hills Montessori School.
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