The kids are arguing over a toy. The dog is barking at the commotion. The water is boiling over on the stove. The phone is ringing off the hook. The baby just spilled juice all over the couch. Your husband is stuck in traffic. To top it off, you have the start of a migraine.
It is time for a “Mommy Time Out”. Put a cartoon on tv (yes, I said tv), let the dog outside, wipe up the juice, turn off the phone, and turn off the stove. Go to your room and lock the door. Turn on your favorite music or read a book.
I know, it sounds dreamy. But, it can be done. I make rules for times such as this. It doesn’t happen very often but it needs to be done to simmer down a situation. After a long day of homeschooling, chores, and parenting, the last thing you expect is to have everything go wrong at once.
I tend to let my emotions get the best of me in situations like this. I don’t make the best decisions when the stakes are high unless I have time to think and calm down. That is exactly what I do. Calm myself down. Usually I take 15 minutes to myself. It makes for a happier mama.
This is very easy to implement but sometimes very hard for children to understand. They will look at you like you have 8 arms and 15 eyeballs. Just stand firm and calm when telling the children about your need for a few minutes to yourself. I do resort to technology and electronics during these times. It is a win, win.
If things are starting to get heated or crazy (cause let’s face it, crazy town is where I live), give yourself a Mommy Time Out. You will be a better mom for it and the kids will learn that they are not in control of every situation.
This book is another approach to a Time Out. It is more for a Family Time Out using scripture and devotions. It is called 10-Minute Time Outs for You & Your Kids by Grace Fox. I hope you check it out. I am going to try to implement this technique as well to see if that will influence my family for better behavior.
