Teaching

I have to admit I'm feeling like a bit of a failure today in the mothering department. Do you ever have days when your kids learn new things that aren't good? Today my kids were having a hitting fest and I hadn't the foggiest idea where they learned it nor how to stop it. It seemed like I was pulling kids apart ALL DAY LONG! That would be bad enough, but one of my girls has picked up screaming at the top of her lungs and an already frazzled mom + out of control high-pitched screaming at the top of her lungs = just not good. Let's just say I know where she gets her volume from because I found myself matching her, not in pitch, but definitely in decible level in a desperate attempt to get her attention and get her to SHUT UP. (Luckily I did keep myself from saying that today. All I did was yell her name). Finally, why, in spite of all my best efforts, do I feel like most of what I'm saying goes in one ear and out the other? I know my dear mother will laugh at my next statement, but I really felt like I was a pretty obedient and helpful kid, even when I was young. I helped clean up. I helped make my own bed. I helped clean up the dishes after meals. I never remembering hitting my siblings. Am I just delusional? Do I wear rose-colored glasses when I look at my childhood? Even so, I need to know: How many years does it take until your kids really help? How many years does it take until they'll clean with you? How many times do I have to say STOP FIGHTING!? I know what you're all thinking, "Ha! Just you wait. Your kids are 4, 2 and 2? Oh, honey, you've got a LONG road ahead of you." Inside I know my kids are still very young and maybe I'm expecting too much out of them. Or maybe I'm expecting too much out of all of us. Learning takes time and so does teaching. Patience, patience, patience. It's in short supply around here, but hopefully a good night's rest will replenish it.