Patience: That Thing Every Mom Pretends She Has 🙄

Let me paint you a quick picture: I'm pregnant with my second baby, raising a toddler (aka tiny boss), running a business, and practicing daily meditations just to keep my sanity intact. And despite my best Zen-like intentions, some days my toddler knows exactly which buttons to press to make me consider hiding in the pantry (with chocolate, obviously).

We've all been there, right? Patience feels like an elusive mythical creature you read about but rarely see in real life. But guess what? It doesn't have to be. Here are some surprisingly practical ways I've learned to stay patient—even when my buttons have been pressed more times than an elevator button in a busy mall.

🚨 Recognize Your Triggers

Knowing your patience triggers helps prevent meltdowns (yours, not just your kids'). Common culprits include:

• Lack of sleep (hello, parenthood)
• Hunger (yours or theirs)
• Feeling rushed or overwhelmed

Pro-tip: Keep snacks on hand for everyone involved—emergencies included.

🛑 Take a Breath (or Ten)

Deep breaths aren’t just clichés—they actually calm your nervous system:

• Inhale deeply through your nose for four seconds
• Hold for seven seconds
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for eight seconds

Repeat until the urge to yell subsides (or until your kid stops doing the exact thing you asked them not to).

🧘 Create Mini “Me-Time” Moments

Even 2-minute breaks count:

• Step away briefly when tension rises (the bathroom works wonders)
• Visualize something calming (like a quiet beach...without kids)

No mom guilt allowed—sanity first.

🗣️ Communicate Clearly (and Calmly)

Kids mimic our tone and reactions:

• Speak in a calm, clear voice
• Get down to their level—eye contact helps them feel understood
• Clearly state expectations and consequences

Remember, calmness is contagious (even if it feels like chaos is winning).

😂 Humor is Your Secret Weapon

Seriously, laughing diffuses tension instantly:

• Turn frustration into a silly moment (pretend you're the "tickle monster")
• Joke about mishaps instead of reacting negatively

Laughing might even distract your tiny troublemaker long enough to forget why they were throwing that tantrum.

💖 Practice Empathy (For Them and Yourself)

Children are tiny humans figuring out big emotions:

• Remember their brains are still developing
• Show compassion—even when it's hard

Also, show yourself compassion. You're human, too.

📚 Keep Learning and Growing

Parenting is a constant learning process:

• Books, podcasts, or online groups offer fresh strategies
• Stay open to adapting and changing your approach

🌟 Final Thoughts: You're Doing Better Than You Think

Patience isn't perfection—it's resilience. It's about recognizing when you need a moment, asking for help, and coming back stronger and calmer. Remember, every parent faces these challenges. You're not alone, and you're definitely not failing.

Take a deep breath, mama—you've got this!