Peaceful Child

My daughter came home from school last night in a tizzy.  She got in a tiny bit of trouble with her teacher, and it hurt her feelings.  On top of that, there was the mountain of homework.   The poor child was freaking out about getting it done so much so that she was practically in tears.

I listened for a while and cooed sympathy.

I also gently suggested that she take a bath first when we got home to help relax a bit – before starting her homework.

• No momma – no!  I have too much to do.  I don’t have time.  I’ll never get it all done.
• Okay honey.   Silence.  More cooing.
• What about a shower?
• No.  Don’t you understand?  I don’t have time.  I’m not going to get it done.

Then the real tears began.

Gently, I begin the “it’s okay, it’s going to be okay, you’re okay” recitations.

Then, with even more tenderness I began to explain how taking the time to take care of your emotions first will help you be in the right frame of mind to get the hard work done.  Ignoring your needs will only make it harder, and your mind won’t be calm so it won’t work as well.

I promised her that she would feel better after a shower.  She agreed.

She showered.  I cut the Snickers Bar in half that my hubbie had purchased for me a few days earlier.   I put half on a plate with some water by her homework and split the other half into quarters for myself and my son to eat.  I gave her more, but I gave myself a little too.  It was yummy!

I told my little boy that his sister needed a little extra in her snack, and he wasn’t even jealous.  This part I cannot actually explain other than to say that the universe was in perfect harmony.

She came down with a towel wrapped around head, ate her snack, and finished her homework in about 20 minutes.

Then she and her brother went upstairs to play legos.  All was well.

It was the best parenting moment ever!

Self-care is the key.  I’m so glad I remembered this.   Remember this!