Turn a Bad Day Into a Splendid One!
Every mom has days when she wished she just hadn`t gotten out of bed that morning. You know the one, when the baby has suddenly developed an attitude overnight and won`t stop screaming, the toddler manages to spread cereal, peanut butter and toothpaste on the floor and your internet connection dies. It happens to us all and when you work at home, often you can`t let the bad days stop you . . . there are still clients waiting for work!
Fortunately, even when you have a really lousy day, you can turn it into a good one. Here are a few tips on doing just that.
- Take a minute for yourself. Lock yourself in the bathroom and turn on the water so you can just breathe for a couple of minutes. Let out an “ARGHHHHH!” if you need to.
- Start the day over again. This doesn`t always work, but we sometimes have to do this in our house when everyone seems to get up on the wrong side of the bed. Just put them all back down again and lie down yourself. Chances are, attitudes will be restored to normal when you get up again.
- Take a break. If you suspect your kids are acting up because they want attention, this is one time to give in to them. Put that work aside, even if it means you`ll be working late and take them to the park, build a tent and have an indoor picnic or just challenge them to a tickle fight on your bed. If you skip this, you`ll be harrassed and grumpy all day anyway and not productive, so let them get it out of their systems and then you`ll be able to work once they`ve had a chance to get their Mommy time in.
- Break out the food. Kids in particular tend to suffer from mood swings related to drops in blood sugar. So hand out crackers with peanut butter, set a bowl of juicy plums on the table or otherwise indulge in a snack and watch their moods perk up.
- Get out of the house. As winter sets in, it`s easy to find yourself trapped indoors for long periods of time. Even when kids seem to be acting up too much to take out, you might be surprised to find that they settle right down in new surroundings (test this first, just in case!). Head to a friend`s house, the mall or the park, if it`s nice out.
- Stop to think about what you have. There are families who are struggling to have children, mothers who long to work from home, but can`t. While that doesn`t change the lousy day you`re having, it might put a new perspective on it.
And, when all else fails, ditch the kids with their dad, grandparents or some other unsuspecting person and head to Starbucks with your laptop to work.
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I think it’s so important to recognize that there is a problem and take care of it before the entire day becomes incredibly frustrating and a nightmare for everyone involved. Sometimes if I have a needy child, that means that more time is spent as a mommy and less work until after bedtime. Personally, a large cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate go a long way.
As I read your blog I realize what a strong woman you are.
Some people certainly can’t handle the role you have taken. I know that I had to go back to work to keep my sanity.
Bless you.