The day started out HORRIBLE. I’m talking non-stop screaming and crying from the 2 year old and some counter-fusses from the baby because he was freaking her out with all the screaming. Nothing in particular was wrong and yet everything was. I could do nothing “right” in my son’s eyes and regardless the situation, in his opinion, there was a cause for more screaming and crying.
It was only 9am but “bad day” would be an understatement. I could already tell this was going to be a long day. My husband was out for the morning and we were stuck at home with no car.
But I made a decision. Regardless of how the day started, this WILL be a good day.
I tried my best not to mimic my son’s mood as I got the kids ready for a walk. Yes, it took twice the amount of time that it should have because he was fighting my every move, but we got ready and we left.
Thankfully the kids calmed down when I got them outside (they usually do), I took a few minutes to breathe and pray as we walked and got my attitude back where it should be. My sons foul mood had gotten the best of me despite my best efforts and I was stuck feeling dissatisfied and frustrated. The walking calmed all three of us down and we started to have a good time.
We stopped and got donuts at the local donut shop and then visited my son’s favorite local toy store to buy a present for a birthday party next week. He got to play and we had fun. Our last stop was the playground. He got to run around for awhile and both kiddos rode in the swings a couple of times. At one point my 2 year old randomly stopped playing and told me “I am having a fun day”. We all were.
One simple decision: to have a good day. Two huge attitude changes (plus some creativity) and it ended up a great day!
It’s like my friend Fawn from Happy Wives Club always says; “Make it a great day”.
I put her words into practice today and it was wonderful. It’s not always easy, especially when there are moody kids involved, but it’s almost always possible. Today, I learned how to make a fun day out of a bad one and I’m going to do my best to remember how to do it. To realize that it always starts with my own attitude changing.
I can set the mood and change the outcome of a day with my little ones if I’m willing to put forth the extra effort to make it a good day. It may not work every time, but I’m sure going to keep trying! I want to teach my kids to make the most of their days, even the “bad” ones…but that means I need to learn the lesson myself first.
How do you make the most of “bad” days? I’d love to hear your tips!
Janie says
I loved this post. So many times I find myself in this same place. And, I do not always make the best choice. But, ALWAYS turning to the Lord in those times makes it easier and more bearable. That does not mean that the day turns around and everyone finds that happy place everytime….but, He gives us peace when we turn to Him, even in the difficult days.
Alison Wood says
This is so true! Our attitudes as moms can make or break the day. I like to do extra fun things when the day seems to be going rough. We live on the mission field in Southeast Asia and our power goes out often. One day it was sizzling hot and we were trying to fumble through school while sweating profusely. All of the sudden I yelled, “That’s it! Get in the kiddie pools!” Everyone squealed and our day turned brighter. I think it is one of the most important part of being a mom is realizing that we have an enormous amount of power when it comes to controlling the emotional temperature of our homes. Happiness begins with mama:)
Found you at The Better mom Link-up!
Visiting from Pint-sized Treasures
Nancy Sturm says
So glad your bad day turned into a great one. Keep up the good attitude, and thanks so much for posting this!
Alicia@the Overflow! says
Love your wisdom here. I let my kids’ moods dictate mine way too often. With a house teeming with five kids preschool-teenager that’s a lot of mood swings:) I love the way you CHOSE to make it a good day. Great reminder for a tired mom tonight! Glad I hopped over from SDG. Blessings on your week!
laura says
I need to make this kind of decision more often, Paula! Thanks for the inspiration, friend. :)
Ava Sophie says
If I have a bad day, I start singing. Worshiping God with the few songs I know. I sing them over and over again. When I start thinking that I can’t even hit the tones today, I just sing louder and think to myself, that God wants to hear my song no matter which tones I hit, and don’t hit. He loves me anyway. Especially on those days when I have to literally carry my girl though every step throughout the morning, I ask her almost immediately after we are out the door: What do you want to sing today. Usually she lights up when she gets to choose, and we are already on our way of having a better day. If not, I just choose a song of my liking and ignore her ‘sour lip’ and sour comments :)
Courtney says
I think you found the key here – it is all in our mindset! And yes, getting outside helps tremendously. When everything seems to be breaking down at our house, I try my best to get everyone to stop and just be silent. (Easier to do now that mine are 4 and 6.) Just getting quiet for a minute, breathing, and calming down helps so much. Also, music can cure almost any mood. Great tips!
Paula says
music is a great pick-me-up here as well!!! we frequently have little dance parties ;) whatever works!!! lol
Sybil @ Peace it all Together says
this is so true. we must begin with our own attitude and decisions to make our days great. i have fallen into this pattern, of letting the moods of my kids or others around me affect how my day is. great ideas! thanks for the inspiration!!
Rachael @ TGT says
I am always trying to remember this. I get frustrated really easily as well, and sometimes all it takes is walking away for a count of ten and seeing my little girl’s smile when I walk back, tantrum forgotten, to get us back on track. I know it’s not always that easy, and it’s about to get harder with another baby, but I will keep trying! Thanks for linking up with Desire to Inspire so that I could see this today!
Sending you sunshine,
RACHAEL
Paula says
It’s amazing how much their little grins can help us :)
congrats on your new baby!!! <3 in my experience the first 3 months were pretty rough but after that it gets SO MUCH better :) you will do great !
Misty@Mimi's House says
What a great reminder! It is so easy to get frustrated at the beginning of the day and just let it ruin the rest of whats left. Thank you for your encouraging words!
Judith at WholeHearted Home says
I loved this post!! I think it is important to write about the “bad days” and share how to turn these times around.
Thanks so much for sharing this over at WholeHearted Home, Paula. It is an encouragement to me as well.
Paula says
Thanks Judith! I’m so glad it encouraged you today :)
Monica says
Your post is being featured at Family Fun Friday!
Monica
http://happyandblessedhome.com
Paula says
thanks you Monica!!! :)
Emily @ My Love for Words says
I totally agree! It’s like the old saying, “If mama ain’t happy, no one’s happy.” I’ve noticed with my own family that when I’m stressed and unhappy everyone else usually is too. It’s great to know we can influence things for the positive (but kind of a scary realization too… this mom role is really important!) :) Thanks for sharing!