Where I live winter can be harsh, and long. So, when the sun shines, its a must to try to get outside. The excitement of going outside can be very exhilarating, but sparse in the winter. Getting children ready creates a high level of anticipation, and energy. Sadly, it also creates a low level of calm in our quest for the great outdoors.
This day was no exception. All seven little faces were smiling from ear to ear, eagerly waiting to make “Snow Angels”. They all lined up taking their turn going to the bathroom putting on their snow suits. It never fails to take at least 30- 45 minutes to get them all ready. From start to finish is a rush, trying to get ready so they don’t turn into hot little puddles. Finally, success, they are dressed and heading up the stairs to go outside.
I try to have them outside for as long as they can tolerate the cold. This particular day was not a very long outing. Soon there was crying because the snow was too deep to walk in, as well as frustration about the snow not being wet enough to build snowmen. Barely having time for myself to come down from the anxiety of trying to get them all dressed, they decided they wanted to go inside. As I gathered them up, I gave them instructions on being patient going in. “Please don’t throw your snow gear on the ground. I need to keep your stuff together. Go down the stairs on your bottoms because your boots are frozen. Please go down carefully”
The children were impatient, pushing each other, throwing their snow gear, and yelling at me for assistance. I got upset, my patience was gone. All of their little faces stared at me in disbelief, shocked because I raised my voice. Taking a deep breath, they were instructed to “Be quiet. Be patient, and wait, I am one person”. As soon as the rush of getting everything put away faded, I asked them to sit. “I am frustrated, and I need to sit and take some deep breaths. Please just sit here for at least 5 minutes, so I can get myself in order. You’re not to blame for me loosing control, but I need you to do this for me.”
Sitting, I took many deep cleansing breaths. They joined me in my calm. Looking over I noticed one of my little boys had his hand up for my attention. Feeling better I called him over, “Sorry, I got upset little one.” Raising my head looking at all the kids while saying, “Actually I am sorry to all of you.” He wrapped his arms around me for a hug and says with all the seriousness a four year old can muster, “It’s okay, my Mom says she looses her sh*t sometimes, so it is okay if you loose your sh*t too when we don’t listen.” The laughter that rang out from me from his raw honesty was better than any deep breaths 🙂