To think I am a shit parent

[Bonjourmonami73]

This is my first post. I have spent the last couple of hours crying in frustration about another evening shouting at my kids. I love them more than anything but I have become an impatient, shouty mum and i hate it. My Dd who is 6 was crying earlier because she hates the fact that she thinks I am upset and angry. I told her that its never her fault but I am terrified that she thinks my behaviour is her fault. I feel so awful about my lack of patience. I dont even know why I do it- I am tired and have PMS and just dont seem to be able to stay calm. I feel like I don’t deserve to have kids. We are going camping tomorrow so packing for that was making me feel frazzled earlier and I couldnt cope with the kids playing up and running riot.
Aaarrrggghh.

This is probably what every parent who is getting ready to take the kids away for half term is also feeling, I know I was last week when packing for our holiday (making the most of kids not yet at school.

You're not a bad parent, you said it yourself, you are tired, probably have a million lists going on in your head of what needs to be done

You’re not a shit parent. All parents get tired, cross and shouty on occasions.
Try walking away into another room, taking a deep breath and focusing on something other than the kids for a couple of minutes to calm yourself.
And try to have some time for yourself - a hobby or a night out once a week, completely child free while they’re with dad or a babysitter. It will help to recharge your batteries.
As for shouting - I found a quiet menacing hiss was far more effective! Kids learn to ignore shouting if you do it a lot, so it’s counter productive.
Make sure you give your kids lots of praise and affection when they behave well. Not just to encourage good behaviour, but to reassure them that you do love them, despite the odd telling off.
It will all get easier as they get older and more independent. Hang on in there!

You’re not shit - the very fact that you’re worried you may be shit means you’re a caring mum

We all feel like this sometimes...especially with PMT...aaarghh!!

Have you tried Kalms? They’re great for PMT and when you’re feeling a bit strung out. You can buy them from Boots and aren’t expensive. The main ingredient is Valerian I think and they really do help
Get some on the way to camping - and have a fabulous time! Remember - most things aren’t worth worrying about!