I figured it out! My kids get together and plan it out. They decide to behave like lunatics all at the same time. I imagine them sitting around saying “I’m going to make mom nuts by…” . Someone else pipes in, “well, I’m going to see your crazy and raise it one by doing…” Yeah, you get the picture.
Good News: I won! I didn’t yell today. Not even one time. I never even raised my voice. I am toasting my glass to myself as I type this as you would too.
Sometimes the beginning of school brings anxiety for neurotypical children. For our trauma survivors it is a whole different ball game. Transitions cause all sorts of PTSD symptoms and school brings another level of stress to the mix. There are sensory changes, authority figures (trust issues) and fear, plain old fear. This can bring on a slew of behaviors.
I spent some time at the sheriff’s station today during a crisis situation with one of my guys. No need to get into the details. No blood and no violence. Sometimes good kids make really bad choices. No charges filed. Simultaneously, another of my wonderful brew decided that skipping after school practice to hang out a friend’s house (who is on the off limits list) with a couple members of the opposite sex and no adults would be fun. Too bad the coach didn’t think it was fun and other middle-schoolers don’t keep their mouths shut, so… Then there were the two notes from the elementary school. One gave me the pleasure of discovering that I have failed to teach my younger kids about gossip and its damaging effects. The other to inform me that my youngest daughter tried to cut out a barrette that was stuck in her hair… I tried to contact my oldest. No reply…My baby wouldn’t take a nap.
So there you have it. The week has not even ended yet.
But: I didn’t yell today. Everyone got a hug. Everyone got a kiss. Dinner was nice. Everyone knew that they were not perfect and that no matter what they would be loved. There was no stress. I didn’t yell. . (I said nothing about drinking).
Tomorrow is Friday.
