It ticked me off when I came downstairs to the kitchen and the crap magnet counter was covered in toast crumbs, butter knives, half empty glasses and PB &J. Not the sandwiches, the actual peanut butter and the jam. Gross.
Every single light, in every single room, in the entire house was ON.
The TV was blaring, but the kids were playing on the computer.
The Dog had no water.
I asked my 11 year old to have a shower and she stomped her feet like a toddler.
Both girls decided they did not like the brand new clothes I had purchased and chosen for them to wear today.
I heard toooo many times“I want”, “I need”, “I don’t want to”.
They were fighting with each other about EVERYTHING!
I snapped.
PUT your own dishes away, I am not a maid.
Turn off all those lights NOW.
NO more TV.
Turn off the computer. I don’t care if you’re in the middle of a game and all your villagers are going to die!
Listen to your Mother!
Get YOUR pets some water!
BlueEyed Girl, Get Your Butt into the Shower and stop stomping your feet…like this…waa waa waa (Yes I even demonstrated…very mature of me..ever seen a 5 foot 9 blond have a temper tantrum?)
Get Dressed and LEAVE ME ALONE Mommy needs 5 minutes!
Then I huffed my way upstairs and felt…miserable, teary, sick.
Have I turned into one of those yelly short tempered parents that fly off the handle for no good reason? I had a few flashbacks to my own childhood. Crap.
Apologies were made.
I will not run a house where my kids feel like they have to walk on eggshells. Where they don’t know what to expect from one moment to the next.
I may have had a headache, been ticked at my Hubby, frustrated with the world and had a million other excuses.
I may have been a bitch today, but I really am not that Mom.
Sorry Girls.
Uggghhh!! I can so relate. Sometimes everything just goes wrong at the same time. And yes, I feel guilty too for raising my voice and demands immediate action from them when I say “NOW!”. I do take the time to talk to them when I’m calmed down to unshock them and reiterate house rules and I always need to see my kids smile and laugh in the end so I know they’re fine.
You know sister…sometimes, even the kids need a dose of bitch to keep it real. Seriously, there IS no June Cleaver! 🙂 And, one dose of bitch won’t make them walk on egg shells (for too long) but someimes, they need a reminder that someone is there to keep them in line!
I totally understand what you mean about not wanting to act like your mom – lately I find myself turning into my screaming crazy-woman of a mother, but it doesn’t even seem to phase my son. sigh. We all have those moments so don’t be too hard on yourself:)
I don’t think it’s cool that you get to see what’s going on in my house. LOL Same thing here on many days. Just no dog.
Well, they did have it coming… they have to learn to assume the consequences of their behaviors or else how will they cope in the real world out there?
You’re an awesome mom 🙂
Actually, when my mother would act out how my behavior looked from her perspective the way you did, it worked. I’d feel pretty silly and would actually adjust my attitude.
You know. For a day or two.
I didn’t mean to imply I was a decent kid or anything, just easily humbled.
Actually, I think you’re entitled to that once and a while. Letting them know you mean business isn’t always a bad thing. But what do I know.
I’m sorry, I think you had every reason to react that way. I would have done EXACTLY the same thing, and HAVE plenty of times. You are NOT a maid or servant of any kind. I see NOTHING wrong with children being expected to clean up after themselves. If they were toddlers, it would be different, but they’re not. If they don’t want to hear it, then maybe they shouldn’t take you for granted. Sheesh, maybe I’M the one being a bitch today….
No you aren’t THAT mom – but you are allowed to lose it once in a while; we all are. Because sometimes, that’s what it takes. And you know what – you are human.
And the apology? Totally the right thing to do – it not only teaches the kids to apologize when necessary but that you respect them and their feelings.
I am not that mom either, but last week, I had an episode. I felt horrible afterward. Major mommy guilt, but at least you are being an example by apologizing. And maybe they will remember to fill the water dish! =)
We have all been there and feel for you. Being in a new town with hubs a million miles away in the dead of summer has me yelling more than I ever did in London..and each time I feel just crummy afterwards. the best thing is to hold them close, tell that how much you love them and know that they know you love them. Sending you a hug my darling.
We all have those moments. I know I get tired of it too.
all those little things add up and can be very frustrating and overwhelming!
i grew up with a mom like that.. and it’s SO not cool…
eggshells.. oh yea! i know about eggshells…
and i’m sure after apologies and such.. your girls are all good…
have a lovely wkend!!!!!!!
Next time can you record your impression of the tantrum for us all to see? All seriousness waking up to all that would set me right off as well. We all have our moments. Hope your day improves and the headache goes away.