Tips to Preserve your Sanity

Parenting triplets is difficult.  I wish it wasn’t but it is…  And more often than I’d like to admit, I stand on the verge of going insane.  There are some days that I just lose it.  What could my angelic, music loving sons possibly do to send me over the edge?

Oh, just any or all of the following at the same time:

• Fight/hit/push/shove each other.
• Yell at each other (and they are LOUD).
• Teasing a brother (causing him to cry).
• Throw tantrums when they don’t get what they want, when they want it.
• Break anything breakable/unbreakable (including a stainless-steel butter knife).
• Fling toys/vessels/anything they can lay their hands on (no matter how heavy).

No amount of my reasoning, pleading or begging helps change the situation.  I could resort to extreme measures:

• Dissolve into tears
• Yell at them
• Smack them

… but that rarely helps.  Believe me, I’ve tried.. 🙁

So, what helps?  Here are 10 steps that work to help preserve my sanity:

1. As long as they are not violent, let them resolve the conflict by themselves.  Step in only if things are getting out of hand.
2. If they are violent, physically separate them.
3. If by now you have almost lost your mind, take a few minutes to step away and calm yourself.
4. Take a deep breath and count to 10.  Or 20.  Or 30.  Till you can think clearly, at least.
5. Pray.  A lot.  For yourself.  And for them.
6. Show them grace.  Discipline them in love and not in anger.
7. Urge them to apologize.
8. Hugs & Kisses all around.
9. Reaffirm that you love them & that Jesus loves them even more.
10. Huddle on the couch and watch a worship CD together.

So, what do you do to preserve your sanity?

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