Overcoming "I Can't Take it Anymore" Parenting Moments

I can't even tell you how many "I can't take this anymore!" moments I've had since I became a parent almost fourteen years ago. Every parent has those moments; anyone who tells you different is lying. The key is to figure out how to get through that moment.

I remember the first time I though that I couldn't handle a situation. My daughter had acid reflux and cried all the time. I knew that she didn't feel good; the medication that she was on had not fixed her stomach yet. She had been crying for what seemed like hours. Nothing I did helped at all, she just kept crying. When I got to the point that I was crying, I knew I needed help. I was still living with my parents, so I took my daughter into my mom's room and asked her to hold her while I took a few minutes to calm down. I thought I would never get through that moment, but after about ten minutes I had calmed down enough to take my daughter back. Thank goodness she fell asleep shortly after.

Taking a parental time-out is always a good place to start when you are extremely frustrated. There is nothing to be gained by staying in a situation that has spiraled out of control. You need to make sure you stay in control of at least yourself. Take a few minutes, then go and try again. You'll be calmer and your mind will be clearer.

After taking a break try looking at the situation from a different perspective. You may be able to come up with another way to handle the situation, especially since the last approach didn't seem to work. Having yourself under control will help you get this moment under control.

Don't bottle up your frustrations or try to hide it. Your children are smart; they know when something is wrong with you. Tell them that you're frustrated; explain why you are taking a break. When they see how you handle your frustration, they will learn an appropriate way to deal with their own frustration.

There will be many, many, moments throughout your parenting career when you'll think you just can't take it any longer. Probably even occasionally when your child is an adult. Knowing the ways that work for you to get you through those moments will help you tremendously. It does get easier as your children get older.

Remember all the great things, or things you love about being a parent. That will also help you get through the "I can't take it" moments also. I tend to not take things so seriously anymore. When my kids are annoying me, I just tell them they are driving me nuts. That usually ends up in an amusing sarcastic banter that usually calms every one down. I know that the frustrating times will pass. You will overcome the feeling that you can't take it anymore, you're a parent, and you don't have a choice. Relax, and always remember that it's all right to get frustrated, annoyed, or down right angry. You are a parent not a saint. You don't have to be perfect, just good enough.