Finding Calm: A Mom's Guide to Yelling Less and Thriving More

As mothers, we often find ourselves in a whirlwind of emotions. From overwhelming joy to frustration, anger, and sometimes even rage, the spectrum of feelings can be intense and bewildering. It's easy to get lost in the chaos of daily life, especially when these emotions seem to come out of nowhere and leave us questioning our sanity. If you've ever found yourself yelling, lashing out, or saying things you later regretted, know that You are not alone and are still a good mom.

Recognizing that these big emotions do not reflect your worth as a mother is essential. Instead, they are signals from your body and mind, indicating that something deeper is at play. Understanding the root causes of these emotions is the first step toward reclaiming your calm and becoming the confident, connected mama you desire and deserve to be.

Life stressors, lack of support, relationship issues, sleep deprivation, and anxiety are just a few common triggers that can fuel feelings of overwhelm and anger if left unaddressed. For many mothers, myself included, anxiety was a surprising revelation on this journey toward becoming a calmer mama.

When I first embarked on this path, I felt constantly on edge, ready to snap at the slightest provocation. And many times, I did! Snap, I mean. It wasn't until I confronted my own emotions, including acknowledging that I had them but also understanding and naming what they were head-on, that I saw a real change in myself and my relationship with my children.

If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of anger and frustration, here are three essential truths to remember:

         1. You aren't alone: Countless mothers struggle with these emotions daily. They can be overcome with support, understanding of their mindset, and learning new tools and skills.

        2. I've been there: As someone who has walked in your shoes, I understand these challenges. I know how it feels to be consumed by anger and resentment, and I'm here to tell you that there is hope for a brighter, calmer future.

       3. Addressing the root causes changes everything: You may have heard that when addressing kids' behavior, it’s essential to recognize that something is always driving our kids' behavior, and looking at what’s underneath the behavior helps address the behavior itself. It’s the same for us as mamas. By exploring and understanding the underlying reasons for your emotions, you can break free from the cycle of anger and reconnect with yourself and your children more meaningfully.

You may be asking, that’s great, but where do I start? How do I begin this journey toward greater emotional well-being and connection? 

Here are some practical steps to help you get started:

       1. Practice self-compassion: And lots of it! Be gentle with yourself and acknowledge that it's okay to struggle sometimes. The goal is progress, not perfection. There is no such thing as perfect parenting! You're always doing the best you can with the resources you have. 

      2. Prioritize self-care: Yes, we’re going there. Self-care is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Find time in your busy schedule to nurture your well-being, even if it’s only 10 minutes. Whether through exercise, meditation, creative outlets, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.

      3. Communicate openly with your children: Let your kids know that you're working on managing your emotions and ask for their understanding and support. Let kids see and understand your feelings and share what you are doing. It is okay! Be honest and encourage them to share their feelings with you in a safe and nonjudgmental environment—a great way to model emotional well-being with our kids.

      4. Practice mindfulness: Cultivate awareness of and notice your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. Mindfulness practices such as meditation, breath work, or simply walking - outside the challenging moments - can help you stay grounded and centered amid the challenging moments.

        5. Seek support: Whether from a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or parent coach, don't hesitate to ask for help. It can feel scary to reach out for help, especially about parenting. Many parents think it means they are a terrible parent if they need help. It’s the opposite! If you were a “bad” parent, you wouldn’t be questioning and asking these questions and seeking ways to improve. You are a great parent; reaching out takes courage!

Talking about your feelings and experiences can also be cathartic and help you gain new perspectives. It provides valuable tools and support to help you navigate difficult emotions and build healthier coping mechanisms for yourself and your family. 

Remember, the journey toward becoming a calmer, more connected mom is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Acknowledging and addressing your emotions with compassion and courage can create a more peaceful and fulfilling life for yourself and your family. So take a deep breath, mama, and know you can find your way to calm even amid the chaos.

You've got this.

xx

🤟🏻

Claire

If you're ready to take the next step towards reclaiming your peace and connecting more deeply with your children, I invite you to book a complimentary 30-minute mini-session with me. During our time together, we can discuss what's going on for you, explore potential strategies for managing your emotions, and determine how I can support you on your journey. Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I'm here to help.

Click the link here to schedule your session.