Struggling to model Christ-like behavior when my kids push my buttons

1w ago1 min read

Had a rough day with the boys yesterday. They were being disrespectful and I lost my patience way faster than I should have. Yelled at them and then felt terrible because I'm supposed to be showing them how to handle anger with grace. My wife didn't say anything but I could tell she noticed. Really convicted about this. I apologized to them and we talked about it but man, it's humbling to realize how far short I fall from who I'm trying to be. Anyone have strategies for staying calm when the kids are really testing you?

5 comments222 views

Comments(5)

TTobias K.Regular1w ago

We all lose it sometimes. The fact that you're aware of it and thinking about how to do better is what matters. Kids are pushers and testing boundaries is literally their job. Try not to beat yourself up too much.

CCarl L.Regular1w ago

Man, I feel this one. Lost it with my boys last week over something stupid and felt terrible after. The fact that you recognize it and want to do better is what matters most. Kids are resilient and they'll remember that you tried to make it right.

GGrant C.Regular1w ago

Been coaching Little League for six years and I've learned that how we respond to our mistakes teaches them more than perfection ever could. Show them what it looks like to apologize and move forward, that's the real lesson.

GGarrettRegular1w ago

Taking a pause before reacting is huge. I started doing this thing where if I feel myself getting angry I'll say 'I need a minute' and go to another room. Comes back down, then we can talk about what happened.

BBradRegular1w ago

Kids push buttons man that's their whole thing. Modeling how to handle frustration maturely is actually more Christ-like than never getting frustrated in the first place. Shows them how to recover.