Instead of “Stay Composed and Move Forward,” I suggest embracing a moment of chaos.
As a parent, I like to think of myself as pretty relaxed. I tend to overlook trivial matters and let a lot slide. Like that one time my son decided to cover himself in permanent markers right before we were heading out for dinner. I just took a deep breath and walked out the door.
Or that other occasion when my daughter thought the backyard was her personal restroom, despite the actual bathroom being only a short distance away. I sighed, maybe a bit louder than intended, then handed her the responsibility of cleaning up after herself. And when my husband and the kids leave the toilet seat up, I might let out an extra loud sigh (and perhaps slam it down), but I don’t completely lose it.
As I mentioned, I can be pretty chill. But there are moments when my sighs morph into growls, my deep breaths feel like hyperventilation, and my usual carefreeness flips to frustration in no time. I can be impatient, emotional, and, let’s be honest, I have a tendency to have a “short fuse.”
To put it plainly, there are times when I lose my composure. Whether it’s the countless baseball cards scattered across the house, an unexpected puddle of pee on the toilet seat, or one child swinging a plastic sword at the other, causing a waterfall of tears, sometimes the calming techniques just don’t cut it.
Some days feel like overwhelming storms of chaos that even a gallon of wine wouldn’t remedy. While deep breathing, soothing tunes, and a cup of chai can help ease stress during tough times, when you’re facing a hurricane of madness, those strategies start to feel inadequate.
At times, you need to recalibrate with a good “Forget this!” and some serious pillow punching. Maybe throw in some foot stomping and door slamming as you head out for guilt-free retail therapy. I genuinely believe that there are moments when losing your cool for a bit, then pulling it back together and moving on is the way to go.
Yes, “stay composed and move forward” is the ideal, but for many of us, “occasionally lose your cool and keep going” is much more realistic.
Understanding the Release
Let’s be clear: losing your cool should mean an emotional release, not becoming violent or emotionally abusive. It doesn’t involve scaring your kids or damaging relationships. It simply means recognizing your feelings, expressing them in a responsible way, and moving on. So, how do you properly let it all out?
- Get away from other people, especially your kids.
- Let loose.
- Regain your composure and move forward.
When everything goes haywire, it can be necessary to lock yourself in the bathroom and unleash a string of incoherent expletives. Call your best friend to vent about how your kids are driving you up the wall with their constant squabbling. Grab a bag of Cheetos and dip them in ice cream, adding marshmallows and cookie dough for good measure. You might even want to roll your eyes at your partner for asking if it’s “that time of the month” when all you did was ask if he knew how to operate the dishwasher.
Sometimes, calm requests like “put your coat on” don’t do the trick. It might require pulling your child close and whispering in your best horror movie voice, “Get your coat on… or else” (even if you have no clue what “or else” entails). You might even sing your empty threats about screen time to remind your kids that you have a breaking point too—then hide in the closet and scream.
Most days, I can find my calm again with some Bob Ross, online shopping, or belting out ‘80s tunes in the kitchen. But there are times when I need more than that. Sometimes, I need to truly lose my cool, let go of negativity, and move on. Because unless they start making an essential oil called “Forget This,” sometimes the usual calming techniques just won’t do. An emotional cleanse of venting and swearing might be just what the doctor ordered.
Further Reading
For more on navigating the challenges of parenthood, check out our other posts, like this one on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, if you want to understand more about ovulation prediction, visit this authority on the topic.
Conclusion
In summary, while it’s ideal to remain calm as a parent, sometimes it’s essential to let loose, acknowledge your frustrations, and then regain your composure. By doing so, you can continue moving forward with clarity and strength.