Patience.

It's a word I never imagined I'd use as much as I do.

We're constantly asking our kids to be patient.

💧 "I'll get you a cup of water as soon as I'm finished washing this pan. Have some patience."

🚽 "I'm in the bathroom! I'll be out in a minute. You're going to have to be patient and wait!"

And as parents, we also want to be patient.

🧘‍♀️ With our toddler who insists on doing everything herself.

🧘‍♀️ With our infant who can't seem to be soothed no matter what we try.

🧘‍♀️ When we have to remind our kids for the 5th time to put their shoes away.

We think of patience as a skill. Something we need to learn and practice. Something that parenting experts can help us with by providing the phrases and scripts to use in those frustrating situations.

But you could have the best strategies, phrases, or skills and still react impatiently if you're overwhelmed.

When you're feeling stressed and your mind is in a million places thinking about that email you still need to send, that appointment you forgot to schedule, and that house project that's sitting half-finished, patience will always be just out of reach.

So even though you've read the parenting books, listened to the podcast episodes, and watch the experts on IG or TikTok, it's so hard to put those strategies into practice when you're overwhelmed.

It's hard to be the calm, present, patient parent you want to be in those moments.

And that makes so. much. sense.

If you're frustrated with yourself for not having enough patience. For reacting instead of responding in the calm, patient way that you want to, I hope this makes sense to you too.

Because what you need to do now is not practice harder or learn more about patience.

What you need to do is address the real problem.

You need to create an environment where you can be successful.

🌎 An environment where it's easier to use all of the tools, skills, and phrases you've learned without having to force yourself.

And you create that environment by creating mental space.

Mental space allows you to be present. To be where your feet are. 👣

So you can calmly be with your kid who's trying to put their shoe on for the fifth time.
With your baby who continues to cry.
Or with your kids when they're arguing with each other.

When you're calm, you can choose and opt for language and words that will create connection. That tell your kids you're present with them.

If your mind is constantly busy thinking and strategizing about what's next, there will be no capacity for that peaceful version of you to be near the surface.

She's buried underneath the load of everything else that you have to do.

So you have to start by getting all of those worries, thoughts, and reminders out of your head and onto a list.

And then creating a plan so that your mind can relax.

When I speak so passionately about creating lists and making a plan for your time, it's not because I love organization.

It’s because of the downstream impact that it has.

When you’re overwhelmed and exhausted by all the things you have to do, not only is it not a great experience, but it also impacts how you interact with everyone around you, including your kids.

Planning is about the relief that comes from knowing things are getting done. That nothing is falling through the cracks.

✨ That relief brings peace of mind.

✨ Peace of mind allows you to be where your feet are instead of thinking about what’s next.

✨ Your plan tells you what’s next.

Part of being present and patient is learning those skills - knowing what it looks like and sounds like.

But you can’t stop there.

You have to also create the environment that will help you be successful in being that type of parent.

And that starts with managing your time and your responsibilities in a way that puts the auto-pilot things on autopilot so you can be where your feet are. Be present. And respond with patience.

The Secret to Being a More Patient and Present Mom

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