When I was pregnant with Rhys I read quite a few different books, to help me get my head around all of it.
I read books that talked about pregnancy. I read books that sort of helped me get my head around giving birth. And then once he’d arrived I read a couple more books that offered advice on what to do now that he was actually here.
One of my favourites was the baby whisperer solves all your problems.
I liked the philosophy behind it, as it acknowledges that babies aren’t all the same. I also liked that it acknowledged that parenting is hard. And that one of the best things you can do as a parent is learn to be patient.
I’ve definitely had to dig deep into my reserves of patience in the last 5 years.
For the most part I think I do a pretty good job with it.
We were patient with Rhys, when he just didn’t ‘get’ potty training. And it was the best decision we made. Because it took the pressure off all of us, and he got there in his own time.
I was really patient when he regressed a bit at bedtime, and didn’t like being left to go to sleep by himself. We knew controlled crying wasn’t for us, so for weeks I sat on the floor. By his bed, in the middle of the room, by the door, on the landing. Gradually inching away until his confidence came back and we could put him to bed with a kiss and just walk away.
I try to be patient with the constant, endless questions. When my two seem to take it in turns to ask questions that don’t always make sense.
I do my best to be patient when Nerys decides she wants to do things herself, when we really just need to get out the front door.
Some days though, especially if I’m tired, I struggle. I snap and I shout, and then I feel awful about it.
But I think that is just being a normal parent isn’t it?
Did you find patience you didn’t know you had, when you became a parent?
Or have you found that you’re really not as patient as you thought you were?!
I have to admit I have always been very impatient! But I have to say since Josh came along I have had no choice but to learn to be more patient and I think that’s working out to be a really good thing as I stop myself getting stressed! xx #candidcuddles
I’m the patient one in the relationship, and I manage this fine most of the time. Every now and again, like you, I snap! Xx
I think we all do don’t we? Especially if you’re tired, it’s so hard to stay patient all the time! x
I love your blog, and your outlook on parenting and being a mom. I also absolutely love this quote!! And it is so true. I agree that you learn the true meaning of patience once you become a parent. And nothing prepares and trains you in the art of being patient more than being a parent. #CandidCuddles
I get you totally, Madeline! You were courageous to make the decision to be patient. Before I became a parent, I was known as the calmest, serenest person with a sunny disposition. When my son arrived, I recognized the need to remember all this because children are just amazing and experts at testing their mums. Like you, when I let go of the pressure, everything became a happy journey. By the way, my son turns 19 today and when I reflect back, I can only smile. Lovely to meet you!
#CandidCuddles at mi.vidyasury.com
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, and lovely to meet you too! Nice to know that these times that feel hard now won’t last forever, and one day I’ll look back at them and smile! x
I love this quote, mainly because it’s so true. Everyone always said I had loads of patience pre kids and I thought I did too. Then when my first got to around 20 months and started to the ‘screaming just because he liked the way it sounded’ phase and my nerves seemed to fray and my patience went out the window. I have to really make a conscious effort (especially now my daughter has just hit this phase too), and in some areas I’m great, but when it involves loud noises I find it extremely hard and have to keep reminding myself they’re just being kids and that’s fine x
#CandidCuddles
This is so very true. I know what you mean about feeling bad when you’re having a bad day and have snapped. But yes, it’s perfectly normal. We are only human.
I too did the same with potty training and sitting on the floor. We’re doing good. High five to you. Great little post. #candidcuddles
Absolutely! Nothing I have done in life so far has required the same amount of patience as parenting does! We all have those snap & shout moments. I feel bad sometimes but other times I think if I don’t let them know they have to stop something then will they stop listening all together because I don’t want that either. It’s a tough balancing act between being patience with them & not being too lenient so that they want everything their own way. Thank you for sharing your quote with #candidcuddles xx