What do you do to calm yourslef down?

[KatWrangler]

My soon to be 4 year old has already set me off this morning. Now she is in her room crying. I put her there so we could both calm ourselves.

It all started that she wanted hot tea in her sippy. I said fine. She wanted to make it at the kitchen table, fine. So then she says it doesn't work. I said you don't have the lid on right. I said this just as she was lifting to drink. Well if I wouldn't of stopped her she would of poured hot (more like warmish) tea on her new dress. So I said, No! I will fix it. I then put the lid on in the same motion. Well she had an absolute fit.

Can I have a do over?

[madskye]

I have been losing my temper a lot the last few weeks. We got a new puppy for Christmas (joy joy!) but the added stress has not been great for my patience.

I lost my temper with DD twice yesterday. It's very hard because she's reached a stage where sometimes she just doesn't listen, and I know it's not that she doesn't understand--she just chooses not to do what she is being asked. And I find my resentment for being disregarded cumulatively builds up and then I lose my temper.

What helps?

Knowing when I have PMS and trying to keep that in mind, and also not overschedule that time of month

Just walking away sometimes

Thinking about how I want things to be instead of how they are at that moment

Taking a hot tea break

I could use some help with this too.

[KatWrangler]

Thank you. I know I didn't handle the situation correctly. I am also PMSing big time and under alot of stress.

[KatWrangler]

I just put her on the bus for preschool. Thank goodness because we both have been butting heads all morning. We need a break from each other and time think.

[boatrat]

I struggle with this as well. I yelled at my 2 year old this morning and I feel like crap. We were trying to get ready for school and work, and he was constantly pulling my hair, kicking me, etc. Still, the look on his face when I yelled at him really shook me up. I need to try to be a better mom.

[ema-adama]

I need this thread.

My almost two year old has become a hitting, screaming throwing little guy. When he gets angry, he looks for something to throw.

I have recently introduced a more structured sleep time for naps and bedtime. Perhaps he is resisting that? Even though he is tired?

How long does this last?

I stop him with my hands and I also say no, no throwing, hitting, etc.

I did loose it a couple of days ago and just shouted in frustration and banged a door closed behind me. Not my best moment.... and now I worry that I modelled poor frustration management and he is learning from me. Although the throwing, hitting, screaming thing already started before that.

I was so so angry. I just don't know how to deal with my intense anger in the moment. Afterwards I know that I need to be sensitive to when I am getting strung out and take appropriate steps before I loose it.

Sorry, a bit of a ramble.

I hope someone has some advice on handling anger and frustration as a mother, who aspires to gentle discipline.