Just one Word

by Pia Mattix Davis

​​Let’s be real.  It is completely normal and understandable that our children will get on our last nerve.  Unlike our adult friends (who also can get on our last nerve) who recognize when we need space and back off, our children don’t or even if they do, their needs come before ours. 
Sometimes we aren’t in the mood to parent, but unfortunately we can’t pick and choose when we want to engage with our children. Even at those moments, when deep down in the back of our mind, we want to tell them to get lost, we can’t.  As a wife, I would be devastated if my husband told me to scram when I needed him. 
At moments such as these, it is wise to have a word or phrase to say to your children that will help to change your perspective.  When I am frustrated most, I tell my boys that (word omitted in the event that my children find this page).  This simple phrase forces me to stop and consider my words to ensure that I even when disciplining, I am building them up and not tearing them down.