I am Mother, hear me Roar!!!

Hello, hellooo, is anyone there? Did you hear what I just said? Am I speaking a foreign language or something? Hey, I was just talking, isn't anyone listening? As a mother I can wake up feeling like Mary Poppins and have great plans for the day, and then life happens and it smacks you in the face.

The mother of all things in the house! If it has ever been under your roof; "Mom, where is it? Mom, did you wash it? or Mom, can you fix it?" sometimes in the winiest voice ever. I am the manager of my home. I am the keeper of the schedule and maker of dinner on most nights. I am the mediator, the tech guy, the stylist, the drill sergeant, the party planner, the travel agent, the nurse, the handyman, Paula Frickin Dean, and Cinda-frickin-rella all rolled into one. So why, when I speak softly do they ignore me?

I think I know why no one listens at home, because I am raising self assured little people. I am doing my job, and my kids see me as their rock or security blanket. I enable them to be successful "children". I have to be that commanding drill sergeant that I hate being sometimes though. I have to command their attention. I have to whip them into shape for the next phase of their life. I have to parent them, prepare them for what's out in the world. I have to take their training wheels off. I have to let them fall down. I have to let them pick themselves back up. I can't burry my head in the sand and let TV or society in general shape who my kids become. I had them, It's my job!

Some days can really take their toll on you. Some days you could just cry because your "The Mom" and everyone is bombarding you with their stuff. Just roar, "I LOVE YOU ALL!!!" Huh? What? That's right. Shock them. What is mom doing? What did she just yell at us? Then by birth order or order of important field trip information, figure out what is going on. I also read somewhere that by just asking for your kids attention before you speak does wonders. Seriously just ask them, "Can I have your attention please?" and wait till you have it. I've tried it, and it works (spouses too). When I have used this technique it really does cut down on my frustration. Then speak!!!

Chores, really, chores? Yes, chores. Make a chore chart and use it. Hold your kids to it. On larger project days, set smaller easier obtainable goals. Let them watch TV or stream, just take "commercial breaks" and clean or do a project for 10 minutes at a time all day long. This works especially well for my ADHD boys. They don't get overwhelmed. They actually accomplish something by the end of the day, and "The Mom" gets help and she taught life skills. Winning!

As "The Mom" there are times when we want to scream, "Calgon take me away!" Just remember how boring your life would be without your children vying for your attention. Just as you want to be heard, so do they, by you, their mother. You are one of the most important people that will ever be in their life. Realize how much weight you carry in their hearts. They want you! They come to you! They trust you! So Moms be careful what you roar. You, "The Mom," are shaping the future.