Thursday, March 20, 2008

Patience is a Virtue

I've always considered myself a fairly patient person. (I don't want to hear any comments from those of you that have witnessed otherwise). At least, I don't have a raging temper or anything. But these last few days it seems like Jansen has risen to new heights of toddlerness and I think I am going to lose my mind. I've felt like that little saying "I have one nerve left and you're getting on it." More than any other time I can remember, I am finding myself taking deep breaths, praying, grabbing a piece of chocolate and running upstairs to hide, stopping to gather myself, talking very slowly to Jansen so as not to lose it, etc. He's not even doing anything THAT bad either. Just the typical toddler stuff: whining, crying, asking for lots of things, pulling on pants, being mean to little sister, indecisive, doesn't want to eat, etc. But man that stuff can wear on you! I think one thing I really struggle with is knowing what tone of voice to use with him. At what point do getting my point across and patience and kindness meet? But I do have to admit that there is something rewarding about feeling yourself getting really upset and then containing it and calming it. It's hard! He's certainly teaching me a lot, and I guess that's the goal. I have a feeling there are many years to come that will be filled with the chant, "Just be patient. Just be patient." Hopefully I will be.

10 comments:

Monica said...

well said. I totally hear you. the "terrible twos" is definately an age trying of patience... aiden is always trying to push our buttons... but I do agree that it is so rewarding at the end of the day when you do feel like you have remained patient with them, but wow.. it is hard! definately a good learning experience! I find that I LOVE all of aiden's precious moments and praise him over abundantly for them in hopes that he will have more good moments than naughty! we are still working on it! sorry for long comment :)

Anonymous said...

I remember going in to look at you after you were asleep and thinking there is no way that little angel made me so mad. It always made me feel guilty. And then another day. That's why little children are so cute. And Jansen can be indecisive, whiney, etc. if he wants to.

Shane's Angie said...

Wow, I sympathize. But I'll have to admit, I lose it more than I should! That's when Shane calls my sisters or Cindy and ask them to take me away from the home for a while...if you were here, I'd do that for you, you know I would.

Annie said...

At this moment Julia is rolling around on the ground crying and whining. Seriously, patience is the goal. I love your post, you are definitely not alone.

kiki comin said...

you are such a great mom! i usually remember to be patient after i haven't been! i agree...it is all worth it at the END of the day!:)

taylor and laney said...

HAPPY STINKING BIRTHDAY!!!

Kent and Leisy said...

happy freaking birthday!

Laraine said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESSICA!
I hope you have a wonderful day with your cute husband and your beautiful little children!

Unknown said...

I am so glad you posted this because sometime, well usually daily I somehow loose my temper with my wonderful 3 year old Jantsen. Sometimes I just wonder why I was ever allowed to be a mom. But at the end of it all, we are one happy family I guess! HAPPY BIRTHDAY as well!!

Tina said...

You know, I pray for patience almost every night because as mothers, we NEED it. I heard something the other day that makes me rethink my prayers.

You can't pray, "Please bless me with patience" and then not get into a situation that tests that patience that you were blessed with. Stop, think and then act. You have more patience than you think!!!!