Why do our kids always seem to test our patience on the busiest of days?

• Use YES: As small as this may seem, saying yes can make a BIG difference. From my personal experience, in your mood and also in your child’s behaviour. We as parents can get into a habit of answering “no” to the hundreds of questions fired at us daily. Start using yes. Most of my yes answers follow with a “but” “Yes you can have a snack, but you have to tidy your toys up first” instead of my usual “no you cant have a snack until you tidy up your toys” For me, the positive spin in using a yes instead of a no makes a big difference to both my mood and my children’s behaviour.
• Join a group: There is no better way to vent than to vent with people venting about the same issues!! Joining a group is always one of my biggest suggestions to any new parent. Being around other parents and talking is amazing for the mind. Its nice to know you’re not alone. It is really uplifting.
• Get a hobby: A great way to relieve stress and clear the mind is to do something you enjoy. Something you can look forward to, even just once a week. An hour a week to just be you and enjoy something just for you. It’s amazing what an hour away from the house can do to recharge your brain!
• Leave the house: A big one for me. Its so important to leave the house. Even just for a half an hour walk or to meet a friend one or two mornings a week. Staying in the house looking at all the housework you have yet to do, or staying in with the little ones with no adult conversation all day is not great for the mind. Getting out of the house lifts my mood and makes me feel a lot more patient and calm for the rest of the day.
• Get Organised: This is my biggest tip for any parent! Nothing contributes more to a calm and stress-free day than being organised from the night before. Uniforms, lunches, clothes and I even like to have all my bits ready for the dinner I’m going to be making the next day. Helps me feel calm and less stressed and in turn a more patient mum.