overcoming anger {day 22} what supernanny taught me

Start with super duper overwhelmed stay at home mom - check
add three little kids - check
add tantrums - check
add poorly executed discipline - check
insert feeding issues, gagging, etc - check
insert stressed out dad - check
mom who is left feeling purposeless - check

I choose the episode because it fairly accurately mirrored our current life situation. 

Lessons that I learned from this episode:
1. Start with a schedule.  We have utilized this several times in the past.  It is time to give it a go again.  The schedule can help realize blocks of time that are otherwise wasted by running around being overwhelmed.  It can also be an important tool to keep the family running.  If your son misses his nap, so be it!  Don't turn into the "you-must-take-a-nap-nazi" (guilty) and ruin the rest of the day for a nap that may never happen.

2. Poorly executed discipline does not count for discipline.  Consistency in following the steps properly is key.  I needed the review.
step 1 - at child's eye level give a warning in a firm voice
step 2 - take the child to the naughty spot and explain (to their face) why you are putting them there
step 3 - walk away - 1 min of time out per year
step 4 - return and explain (to their face) why they were in time out
step 5 - child apologizes, hugs and kisses

3. Feeding issues has become a big deal for us lately.  I needed to watch Jo's technique in this clip.  We actually got Augie to swallow a large mouth full of pocketed food tonight...a near impossible accomplishment.  Eat or time out.  Poor parenting at the dinner table can lead to impossibly picky eaters. We need to nip this one in the bud!

4. Dad time.  I loved the "brother's box" idea in this episode.  When dad comes home, he sits down with the kids and they choose an activity from the box.  It gives everyone much needed together time (or for mom's part, separation time).  I think we are definitely going to have to do this.  We, the women, tend to be the creative thinkers.  It is helpful to have a routine that involves dad playing with the kids. 

5.  Mom without purpose.  No matter how many inspiring quotes I read...
A mother is the most important person on earth. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any Cathedral -- a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body. -- Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty
...I still feel drained, under appreciated and without significant purpose. 

I am still connected to somethings I feel very passionate about.  Mainly, right now, my work as a Fertility Care Practitioner and NFP promoter.  I am grateful for a husband who is supportive in this endeavor.  My appointments and the work I do in the Diocese recharge my passions.  I am so grateful for this. 

The second take on this is mom without "me" time.  Exercise.  It is coming, I promise.  I may not actually blog about this until day 31, but exercise is wonderful me time (that I need to take significantly more than I do). 

Supernanny has been on my heart and in the back of my mind for years.  So thanks blog world for being my road back home. 

overcoming anger {day 21} watch supernanny

If you are like me....
You have been telling yourself you need to watch Supernanny again.

Day 21.  Watch an episode of Supernanny.  Go to Youtube and watch more as needed.

It will
1. Help you realize you are doing okay
2. Inspire you to do better