A few years back, while I was busy installing shelves in our master closet, I found myself overwhelmed with stress. We had just moved into a new house, which we managed to snag at a great price despite needing a lot of repairs. What seemed like a fantastic deal at the closing table quickly turned into a source of anxiety as I tackled various renovations.
One day, after a particularly exhausting session of pulling up carpet and fixing walls, I came downstairs to find my four-year-old daughter had created a juice disaster in the kitchen. In her attempt to pour herself a glass, she had inadvertently turned our table into a scene reminiscent of a flood. Frustrated, I reacted by yelling clichés like, “I don’t have time for this!” and “What were you thinking?” But as I calmed down, I noticed she was holding a towel and trying to clean up the mess. It dawned on me that she was actually doing exactly what I had been teaching her about taking responsibility.
Reflecting on that moment, especially during the pandemic when stress levels are high for many parents, I realized the value of a “redo.” This concept, which I learned from a talk at church, involves taking a moment to reset after an emotional reaction. One father described how he apologized to his son after a heated moment, allowing them both to communicate better and strengthen their relationship.
So, I did the same with my daughter. I apologized for overreacting and praised her for her initiative. Together, we cleaned up the juice mess, and the experience became a valuable lesson for both of us. I now frequently use this approach with my children, and it has proven beneficial.
For further insights on repairing relationships after conflict, I recommend checking out a helpful post from ourmamavillage on Instagram. They provide examples of constructive ways to communicate with kids, such as saying, “I felt really frustrated earlier. It’s okay to feel that way, but it wasn’t right for me to yell at you. I’m sorry.”
Many parents are feeling the strain of juggling home education with the challenges of the pandemic. It’s essential to model how to mend relationships under stress, as it not only benefits our bond with our children but also teaches them crucial skills for their future.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this post from one of our other blogs. Additionally, for more resources on the topic, visit Make a Mom, an authority on these matters, or American Pregnancy for excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.