Struggling with being a good example about patience

6h ago·1 min read

So I'm trying to teach my kids to be patient and kind but then I lose my cool over something stupid like them being slow getting ready for school. Yesterday I yelled at them about moving faster and then later felt terrible because I'm literally telling them the opposite. Anyone else struggle with walking the walk on this stuff? I don't want to be fake about being perfect but I also know they're watching how I handle stress. Any advice on how to do better?

6 comments81 views

Comments(6)

WWill S.Regular6h ago

You're learning this at the same time they are, which is actually kind of beautiful. They see you mess up and try to do better - that's way more valuable than being perfect.

RRichardNew Dad6h ago

Man, I get this. I yelled at my son over his shoelaces the other day and felt terrible. The fact that you're aware of it and trying to do better means a lot to your kids though.

TTravis N.Regular6h ago

That rush to get out the door hits different when you're already stressed. I've found taking a breath before the kids even wake up helps me stay calmer through the whole morning routine.

KKevinNew Dad4h ago

Man I feel this in my soul. I was literally just telling my kid to calm down yesterday and then I snapped at him five minutes later over nothing. The hypocrisy is real and it stings.

JJamesNew Dadjust now

Early mornings help me with this. When I've had some quiet time before the chaos starts I'm way more patient. But yeah, some days it still happens anyway.

EEdNew Dadjust now

What I've learned is that apologizing to them after you mess up actually teaches them more than never messing up would. I tell my kids 'daddy shouldn't have yelled, I'm sorry' and I think that's modeling something important too.