Struggling with patience when disciplining my kids | DadHQ

Struggling with patience when disciplining my kids

Jun 131 min read

Man I need some real talk here. Been trying to model Christ's love and patience but when my 7yo talks back for the millionth time I find myself yelling instead of staying calm. I know they're watching how I handle frustration and I'm not setting the example I want to set. Anyone else battle with this? I've been praying about it but feel like I keep falling short. How do you guys keep your cool and respond with grace instead of anger?

6 comments188 views

Comments(6)

JJayRegularJun 13

That 7yo phase is rough because they're testing boundaries constantly. I've found taking a breath before responding helps, even just counting to 5. You're modeling Christ's love by showing your kids you can mess up and then do better next time too.

RRyan M.New DadJun 13

Man, I feel this in my soul. I'm only 6 weeks in and already catching myself getting frustrated when my little one cries for the hundredth time. The patience thing is real and honestly I think acknowledging it like you are is half the battle. You're trying and that matters.

JJosh M.RegularJun 14

Real talk back - you're not alone in this struggle. I lose my patience way too often and then I feel terrible about it. What helps me is stepping away for thirty seconds, taking some deep breaths, then coming back to it. Sounds simple but it actually works.

MMatt B.RegularJun 14

The fact that you're thinking about this and trying to do better already puts you way ahead of most dads. Keep working at it. Kids are resilient and they know when you're trying.

SSam K.New DadJun 14

This is the one area where I feel like I fail my kids the most. The patience thing doesn't come naturally to me at all. What specifically sets you off? Sometimes identifying the trigger helps.

TTim P.New DadJun 14

Man, same. When my son was 7 I was losing it constantly over stuff that doesn't even matter now that he's older. It gets easier but it's also something you have to actively work on. Have you tried prayer or meditation before things escalate?